Sweet Sixteen (2003)
98 %
Reviews Counted: 81 Fresh: 79 Rotten:2 Average Rating: 7.9/10
Consensus:
A bleak, but heartbreaking coming-of-age tale that resonates with truth.
Runtime: 1 hr 46 mins
Theatrical Release: May 16, 2003 Limited
Box Office: $201,010
Synopsis: In the depressed Scottish town of Greenock, 15-year-old Liam (Martin Compston) anxiously awaits the release of his mother, Jean (Michelle Coulter), from prison. Kicked out of school, with only Jean's abusive boyfriend Stan, and her hateful father for guidance, Liam sets out on his own in... [More]
Genre: Dramas
Starring: Martin Compston, Michelle Coulter, Annmarie Fulton, William Ruane, Gary McCormack
Director: Ken Loach
Screenwriter: Paul Laverty
Producer: Rebecca O'Brien, Ulrich Felsberg, Gerardo Herrer
Composer: George Fenton
Screenwriter: Paul Laverty
Producer: Rebecca O'Brien, Ulrich Felsberg, Gerardo Herrer
Composer: George Fenton
Buy It On DVD
Reviews
CommentClick to read the article
06/24/06
Under Loach's deft hand, it feels indisputably real ... An undeniable downer, but hellaciously well acted, brimming with compassion, and relevant in a way that doesn't chafe.
01/21/05
Hollywood has manufactured a number of coming of age films of varying quality, yet it's difficult to think of one that tops this powerful character study
12/11/04
You want Liam to succeed. You want a happy ending. You want to try to understand the heavy Scottish accents without reading the subtitles mercifully provided by Loach.
04/30/04
Another fine Loach film that refuses to sentimentalize the plight of the poor and disenfranchised. Compston is a real find.
01/30/04
The story is extremely powerful. This is a very depressing film, but also very well crafted.
01/12/04
Its bleak tale was lightly delivered and filled with a wry Scottish wit and a poignant social realism that rang true.
10/26/03
Sweet Sixteen is a wonderfully bittersweet effort, and one of Loach’s best works.
10/08/03
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09/05/03
Loach tends to get a little preachy, but his skill is undeniable. His messages strike harsh and true.
08/08/03
Using mostly unknown and first-time actors, Loach spins a passable coming-of-age tale, which should please his fans and provides a diversion for the rest of us.
08/07/03
Top Critic
There are some terrific performances. Scottish TV star Compston makes Liam quite sympathetic; despite his character's many failings, you want the best for him and his family.
07/25/03
The combination of its casual violence, its street sense and a loose cinematography makes the film feel like a documentary.
07/18/03
Heartbreaking but ruthlessly honest, a mirror held up to contemporary life.
07/11/03
Top Critic
From its gripping immediacy to its strong cast of unknowns, Sweet Sixteen feels almost like a documentary. Loach and screenwriter Paul Laverty keep an evenhanded focus on harsh truths, and avoid melodrama and grandstanding.
06/27/03
Top Critic
Don't get too close; don't help out; let them make their own mistakes
06/25/03
There's a profane but strangely tender rawness to this sometimes brutal movie, anchored by Compston's remarkably assured debut performance.
06/20/03
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