London Town (2017)

London Town Poster

A 14-year old boy’s life changes forever when his estranged mother introduces him to the music of The Clash in 1979 London.

Introduction
"London Town" is a coming-of-age film directed by Derrick Borte in 2017. Embed In 1970s London, the film remarkably records the punk age's vibrant spirit while providing an informative story around complaints, rebellion, and vibrant desire for self-reliance, combined with the heart-warming style of self-discovery. The movie stars Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Tom Hughes and Dougray Scott among the main cast.

Plot
The film follows the story of a 14-year-old kid, Shay Baker (Daniel Huttlestone) who survives on the borders of London. His mom has left the family and his daddy, Nick (Dougray Scott), is struggling with two tasks to make ends fulfill - offering pianos and driving a taxi. When Nick collapses and is hospitalised, Shay is left to balance school, take care of his more youthful sister, preserve the household service, all while stepping into the role of the head of the household.

Discovery of Punk and Falling in Love
On one of his daddy's dropped taxi fares, Shay discovers a vinyl of 'The Clash' - a punk rock band. Falling in love with the loud, defiant music, he is drawn into the world of punk, which he determines as a way of release from his struggles. On the other hand, Shay likewise meets Vivian, a rowdy woman enthusiastic about the punk movement, resulting in a tumultuous yet attractive relationship. Relationships become a substantial sub-plot in the movie as Shay faces his feelings for Vivian and navigates the intricate feelings connected to his moms and dads.

Encounter with Joe Strummer
Intriguingly, Shay has a few fantasy-geared encounters with Joe Strummer - the diva of 'The Clash', played by Jonathan Rhys Meyers. These encounters form a remarkable aspect of the film narrative and are vital to Shay's personality advancement, his understanding of life, and his handle in between duty and rebellion.

Conclusion
"London Town" provides a striking juxtaposition of a teen's grim yet resistant existence and the worldwide punk wave's dynamic energy. Despite devastation, Shay is eventually empowered, as he utilizes his love for punk and 'The Clash' to browse through his challenges and effectively shoulders his family's responsibilities. Shay's development in such a requiring and volatile setting, combined with the film's historic setting, makes this coming-of-age tale genuinely worth enjoying.

Efficiency and Reception
The efficiencies throughout the cast are good. Jonathan Rhys Meyers' portrayal of Joe Strummer is convincing, and Daniel Huttlestone delivers a stand-out efficiency, effectively embodying struggles, growth, and vibrance of his character. The movie gathered a combined critical action, with numerous lauding its settings, music, and performances while critiquing the somewhat foreseeable plot. Nonetheless, 'London Town' offers audiences a stimulating representation of 1970s London, seen through the eyes of an amazing teen.

Top Cast

  • Jonathan Rhys Meyers (small)
    Jonathan Rhys Meyers
    Joe Strummer
  • Daniel Huttlestone (small)
    Daniel Huttlestone
    Shay Baker
  • Dougray Scott (small)
    Dougray Scott
    Nick Scott
  • Natascha McElhone (small)
    Natascha McElhone
    Sandrine
  • Tom Hughes (small)
    Tom Hughes
    Johnny
  • Kerry Howard (small)
    Kerry Howard
    Penelope
  • Nell Williams (small)
    Nell Williams
    Vivian Daniels
  • Samuel Robertson
    Tommy Gun
  • Kamryn Boyd
    Punk Rock Kid
  • Meredith Ostrom (small)
    Meredith Ostrom
    Rebecca
  • Jeff Leach
    Ronnie