Jubilee (2009) User Reviews (2)

A sharply focused piece of highly watchable cinema

[Sjhm · 9/10 · 27 October 2009]

Doug Rao's second short film perfectly captures the reality of modern underclass Britain, and the political forces that are taking tenuous hold in our society. Patrick Baladi is pitch perfect as Nick Bright, the "new" face of the "Patriot" party, with Sam Spruell as Phil Walker, the foil, a man utterly at sea with the "modern" message of the party. As they work their way around the estate, Bright encounters a beautiful young Asian woman from his past; an encounter which throws into question his whole philosophy.

Rao's script cleverly avoids cliché and packs an emotional punch. Their fundamental differences drive the two protagonists further apart and their journey overspills into violence. Yet even his revulsion at Walker's Neanderthal tactics does not change Bright's own course, and he ultimately rejects his earlier apparent change of heart.

As writer and director, Doug Rao is clearly one to watch for the future of British cinema.

Good but not perfect

[jackcrusoe · 7/10 · 13 November 2009]

Short films are usually simple things with a twist in the tale. Not this. It managed to tell a much bigger story, perhaps worthy of a feature.

It was well directed, both in terms of the acting and how it looked. But it didn't capitalise on the chance to leave the audience satisfied, and more importantly, changed.

Instead, it went for the non cliché ending, whereby a formerly mixed up man, became, a currently mixed up man. Accurate? Perhaps. Satisfying? Definitely not! Overall, it's one of the better short films I've seen, and it certainly hints at some kind of talent for the filmmaker.