Bullet Boy (2004)

Being a rather small, low-budget production, it seems that Saul Dibb's 'Bullet Boy', tends to be ignored amongst the various films exploring the cruel and often unforgiving world of 'the streets', and how even the well-intentioned can be brought down by the seemingly endless cycle of gun violence.

It is true that the plot of the film, which explores how the young Ricky, fresh out of jail, attempts to escape his previous life of crime, but ultimately becomes embroiled in a violent feud headed by his hot-headed friend Wisdom and the violent gangster Godfrey, does resemble that of other films exploring the same topic, such as Boys 'n the hood and Kidulthood. In addition, The film's core message revolving around younger brother Curtis' ultimate rejection of gun violence perhaps feels too obvious at points, with for example the gun featured throughout serving as a clear and produced piece of symbolism.

However, effective performances from actors such as Ashley Walters and Luke Fraser, and the bleak and unglamorous way in which Dibb directs the action still makes Bullet Boy a film that leaves a strong impression, albeit one that is not sure to last long in the memory.