robert23-1 I completely disagree with the "negative reviews" but totally agree with the current rating. Although this movie was made 17 years' ago, I came across it on a Gay Movies site and I'm glad I did. If it weren't for the outstanding performance of Ben Whishaw(Tom), this movie would not have succeeded as it portrayed the sexual abuses experienced by young persons which continue to exist, sadly, today! The performance of the female lead was commendable, but it is Whishaw's performance that keeps you focused the entire time. Whishaw, with 8 wins, including Best Actor(MBT) from the 2001 Sochi(Russia) International Film Festival and Most Promising Newcomer (MBT) from the 2001 British Independent Film Award, and 15 nominations is worth watching in any movie he is in. He makes other actors better because of his performance. I have seen Whishaw in other movies and I'm glad I found him in this one. It's no wonder his career has taken off as evidenced by the filmography which includes current pre & post production. Children are so vulnerable to sexual predators and parents & children should watch this movie!! Congrats Ben & Jenna!!

Tabbycarla Ben Whishaw is fantastic as Tom. He really acts insanity well. Youinstantly fall in love with Tom and want to comfort him for all he hasbeen through. He is really believable. The whole film has a very interesting cinematic style using somevery artistic shots and angles making the film, overall, interestingto watch just for the style. There is a problem with the sound as some of it is too quiet. Thecredits have the sound of the woods alone, which immediatelygets you interested and 'set up' for the film. I think everyone should see this film, even if you may not like it, forthe experience of an interesting British film.

neil_mc The way it is haphazardly edited, the poor quality of the sound and the general disturbed nature of the plot and it's character's, all suggest that Dom Rotheroe has been watching too much of Lars von Trier at al.We begin with 15 minutes of absolutely nothing - walking to and from school, little dialogue, little plot development apart from a hedgehog and the odd jump from a tree. But this laboured pacing sets us up for the almost 'mentioned-in-passing' rape of a young schoolgirl by her teacher. In her own bedroom. With her mother downstairs in the living room. We know from here that what we are watching is pretty serious stuff.With an air of 'Heavenly Creatures', the two kids become almost inseparable, stripping off but doing little more than feeling each other and banging foreheads - we are shown an extremely intense relationship between two seriously messed up children.I thought I recognised the girl who played Jessica from somewhere else, but looking at her bio there is nothing on there that rings a bell. She puts in an impressive performance which she'll probably never match, and one which I'm sure she'd be disappointed has only been witnessed by a small number.On the whole, the film was very engaging and very hard-hitting - but the biggest compliment I can give, is that I'm pretty sure Mr von Trier would have loved it.

funtoosh very surprised, too, to read so many bad comments. this is, at the very least, the best british film i ve seen this year. very strong, very emotional, very black&white: if u don't like that, do not go. else: IT S A MUST. (ps: FANTASTIC phtography by robby mueller. yes, handheld camera, nevertheless: FANTASTIC)-funtoosh