“100 Streets” is a gritty drama that explores the interconnected lives of three Londoners. The film presents these characters like puzzle pieces, and as their stories overlap, we get a full picture of the city’s social landscape. Through themes of love, redemption, and personal tragedy, “100 Streets” paints a vivid portrait of contemporary urban life.
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Review
In the bustling and vibrant city of London lies a neighborhood that is teeming with life, diversity, and drama. This is the setting for “100 Streets,” an emotionally charged film that explores the lives of several characters who are all connected in some way.
The movie opens with vignettes of various people going about their daily lives: a cab driver picking up a fare, a drug dealer making his rounds, a woman jogging through the streets. As we watch these scenes unfold, we begin to get an idea of what life is like in this part of London: gritty, raw, and unforgiving.
One of the central figures in the film is Max Moore (played by Idris Elba), a former rugby player turned movie star who has fallen from grace after his affair with a young actress was exposed in the tabloids. He is now trying to put his life back together and make amends with his estranged wife (Gemma Arterton).
Another key character is Kingsley (Franz Drameh), a drug dealer who wants to leave behind his life of crime and start anew with his girlfriend Terence (Charlie Creed-Miles). However, when one of Kingsley’s deals goes horribly wrong, he finds himself facing some tough choices.
The film also follows Emily (Sienna Guillory), whose marriage to former rugby player Jake (Tom Cullen) is falling apart after Jake’s infidelity. She takes solace in her friendship with Max and finds herself drawn to him despite knowing that it could only lead to more heartbreak.
As “100 Streets” progresses, we see these characters’ lives intersect and collide in ways that are both unexpected and powerful. The film’s script by Leon Butler skillfully weaves together their stories into a tight narrative that keeps us on the edge of our seats.
Director Jim O’Hanlon uses London as its own character throughout the film. The city is not just a backdrop but rather an integral part of the story. We see its beauty and its harshness, its lights and its shadows.
The film’s score by Paul Saunderson adds another layer to the emotions on-screen. It’s minimalistic but powerful, adding a haunting quality to many of the film’s scenes.
The cast of “100 Streets” is top-notch, with Elba and Arterton delivering some of their best performances to date. However, it is Drameh who steals the show with his portrayal of Kingsley. He brings a raw vulnerability to the role that makes it impossible not to root for him.
Despite all its success on-screen, “100 Streets” had a rocky road to production. Originally titled “One Square Mile,” the film was supposed to star Liv Tyler and Rafe Spall before they dropped out due to scheduling conflicts.
It’s also worth noting that this was one of Idris Elba’s last major roles before he became a global superstar thanks to his work in projects like “Luther” and “Thor.”
“100 Streets” received mixed reviews from critics upon release, with some praising its performances while others found fault with its formulaic plot. However, audiences seemed to connect with the film’s emotional resonance, making it a modest box office success.
Ultimately, what makes “100 Streets” such a compelling film is how it captures the human experience in all its messy glory. It reminds us that we are all flawed and that life doesn’t always go as planned. But through our struggles and our connections with others, we can find hope and redemption.
Technical Data
- Runtime : 93
- Release : 2016-11-11
- Genre : Drama
- Cast : Idris Elba as Max, Gemma Arterton as Emily, Tom Cullen as Jake, Ryan Gage as Vincent, Kierston Wareing as Kathy
- Crew : Chris Gill as Editor, Pippa Cross as Producer, Ros Hubbard as Producer, Adam Daniel as Sound Re-Recording Mixer, Idris Elba as Producer
- Popularity 8.726
- Budget : 0
- Revenue : 0
- Company : Helicopter Film Services, Green Door Pictures, CrossDay Productions
- Summary : Three people, three extraordinary stories. All lived out within a hundred London streets.
- Tagline : Anybody can take a wrong turn.
