Gangs of Tooting Broadway (2013) User Reviews (6)

No blood blud

[pthomasweb · 3/10 · 8 February 2013]

London rude boy/gangster flick which revolves around a mess of a story line. The last 15 min wrap up spirals out of control in this regard. Its obviously meant to climax with a clever twist, but in fact it simply dissolves into an unbelievable pile of tripe.

The numerous rewinds are in place to try and keep you on point, but they are as worthless as the arc itself. In fact at one point I think the makers even confused themselves here with a few of the scenes.

Linking past to present has surely never been done with such disdain and discombobulation

With a lot more violence and a lot less weak ass character building of our main antagonist. The movie could of been far less painful.

The target audience will surely be baying for some more blood and bluds by the time the end credits roll in.

A badly acted but interesting look at the British/Sri Lankan gang culture.

[kenyajon · 5/10 · 25 February 2013]

First it must be said that the acting is not the best in the world and the plot is a little ropey at times. However, i somehow found myself drawn to this story and I did empathise with the characters involved even though I could never understand their situation.

To call this a London Gangster Movie would be unfair. It is not trying to be that at all, as It is not trying to portray the lives of gangs in a glorified way, like so many gangster films do. The film focuses on the lives of a number of Sri Lankan young people who are part of a gang. They are trying to come to terms with their culture and the British culture. The film makes quite a reasonable attempt at exploring the issues that this population in the UK face. Yes badly acted on many occasions but I found the film an interesting look into a side of Britain that I knew nothing about.

A disgrace to the term "Gangs" and Tooting Broadway

[tonyflintjackson · 1/10 · 16 February 2015]

WOW... where do we start? This film was a disgrace, to Tooting and gangs.. especially the gangs of Tooting.

This story is about a Sri Lanken "gang", which operates out of a estate agents, has maybe 6 members and is being portrayed as some force to be reckoned with. It consists of two bum-fluff henchmen who go around intimidating little shop owners for protection money or they will throw all the crisp packets on the floor. I know Tooting, a gang like this would be eaten up by the other gangs for breakfast. This film is full of bad acting, direction, editing, pathetic fighting.. I don't know what the people who made this were thinking, I would not want to be associated by this disgraceful POS. Anyway... avoid at all costs, or watch it for the laughs, the "twist" at the end of the film was laughable.

How not to make a film

[BoltonCampbellGreen · 1/10 · 8 February 2013]

From the very opening, the acting is just dire. The story line weak, the camera work and editing - in places - would embarrass a secondary school media class.

I tried to find something positive to say, but it's now half way through and there has not been single compelling moment. I only let it run because it was so bad, I just wanted to see how much worse it could get.

The only reason this film has any positive reviews probably comes down to astro-turfing by those that have made it. I can't believe there is a human on this planet who would find this even worth watching on their phones during a long journey.

Seriously - don't waste the 1 hour 30 of your life, you won't get it back.

Compelling look at a niche gang culture in London

[zakklein-601-15082 · 8/10 · 28 February 2013]

This is an unusual topic for a gang thriller but all the more compelling for it. Tooting Broadway is a complex, dramatic and bloody look at Tamal gang culture in south London, with broader political relevance both in the UK and in Sri Lanka.

Because the action is in London whereas the political unrest comes from a country we never see (Sri Lanka), it can sometimes feel slightly removed from the issue. But with patience the story is rewarding and has many surprising twists and turns.

There are other 'rude boy' films out there about violence and gang culture in London. So if that's all you're after then go see Kidulthood or Ill Manors. This is something different.

Step outside your comfort zone.

[bRwNSuGaR · 10/10 · 20 March 2013]

The film itself focuses on an issue never before explored so closely. The topic of Tamil gangs in the UK has often been blanket-approached by the media, leaving most of the population clueless about its substance.

The director has used raw cinematic talent to pull the audience into this world with an attractive plot and storyline. There are twists, a need to focus midst a warmly familiar setting.

The casting, and screenplay has been cleverly structured to make the audience believe in the story. Not in the mood for a brainless Hollywood 'fun-fest'? Watch The Gangs of Tooting Broadway for a refreshing experience in the dark streets of London.

Expect a little, and appreciate a fresh topic.