danc1978 I only saw 'Shank' a few weeks ago but for the moment it's my favourite gay-related film.People used to the powerhouse special effects of Hollywood could be disappointed, but people who can appreciate lower-budget film could find a little masterpiece in this one. Considering that most of the actors are young newcomers, the director is 21 years old and created on a very low-budget, this is a really well-done film worth watching.The story is fairly straightforward and not complicated to follow. It also doesn't hide anything, sexually or violently. The characters are well developed for the most part. The main character Cal successfully makes you feel different gambits of emotions, from hating him and despising him, to liking him and rooting for him. Wayne Virgo is very convincing as badboy Cal.The others characters are interesting as well. Tom Bott as Jonno, the macho yet vulnerable gang leader. Alice Payne as Nessa, a controlling broad with a mean streak. A lot of people claim that Marc Laurent as Olivier was the weaker character. While I agree, I still give him credit for doing the sex scenes (he was apparently very nervous) and later in the film his fear and panic seems pretty realistic to me.There are a few minor things I didn't like. The 'love-at-first-sight' relationship between Cal and Olivier (they're really different archetypes). Some things are a little too subtle as well; early in the film, Nessa attacks a girl seemingly out of nowhere for no apparent reason. Only after watching the film a few times did I understand why she did it (without spoiling it for you :) 'Shank' was a gritty, different type of gay movie from the norm out there. It has a good build-up, a good climax and a couple of twists at the end (you may or may not see them coming). Not for the weak of heart, but otherwise I definitely recommend it!

sammie-hartman Filmed in Bristol, England, UK on a non-existent budget of 20,000 euros (28,000 USD) with a cast made up almost entirely of first-timers to feature film, "Shank" is one of my all time favorites."Shank" is the story of teenaged "scallie" gang banger, Cal (Wayne Virgo), who is realizing his true desire for other men. In particular, his best friend and fellow gang member Jonno (Tom Bott) with whom he shares several very intimately awkward moments. His gang is known for filming the beatings that they frequently dish out to innocent bystanders. However, when the gang jumps an attractive young gay man, Olivier (Marc Laurant), Cal reaches his breaking point stopping the beating.Having left his gang stranded to go and help the bloodied young man, Cal is now the target of their rage. Can these two young men from opposing worlds and different understandings of oneself survive all that is thrown their way? Directed by 21 year old Simon Pearce, "Shank" is a gritty and unapologetic look at a coming-out story that has never been seen before. Wayne Virgo is an extremely talented newcomer, who also happens to be a gorgeous young man with great attributes which are seen throughout out the movie."Shank" is violent and unsettling at times, sensual and compassionate at others, and has a well-balanced use of intimacy and nudity. All of which is necessary to truly tell this story of self-discovery and love. Most importantly it pulls you into the story from the moment it starts and holds you til the very end. Making you care for and feel for the characters, "Shank" is a perfect blend of every element that a good movie is made of.With it's gripping script (written by Darren Flaxstone and Christian Martin), beyond-their-years-in-talent acting, and superb direction and cinematography, "Shank" is a low-budget film that can stand against any Hollywood powerhouse...Just letting you know...

mfbhxc88 I found this movie randomly on Netflix, and I did not really think it was going to be anything special. However, I LOVED it, it was steamy and real and pretty much kept me and my friends glued to the screen the entire time. (Which is not an easy thing to do. The end really shocked the hell out of me and that was a plus! The characters where easy to relate to and were all pretty well thought out. It was hard to understand some of the slang in the movie since I'm not from the UK but it was okay. The music (J.Knights in particular) really helped me get into the film. I try to get almost everyone I know to watch this because it's definitely one of the better indie films i've seen in a really long time.

miguel-790-424268 This film is the most gaspingly and brutally real gay-themed film you will ever see.Cal, the central character is completely believable and represents every gay man's dream: a straight-acting hunky punk. His best mate is something out of my wildest fantasies. To be honest, I had a hardon for most of the film.Sure there are weaknesses in the dialogue and plot, but the positives far outweigh the negatives. The gang dynamic was confusing and underdeveloped. The blond girl took up too much of the film's emotional energy. The French lover was a bit awkward, but I've dated a French guy exactly like that, so it wasn't unrealistic.But I will remember this film- for being things that most films are not: daring, raw, unbridled, sexual, and hyperactive. I was shocked to hear that the director is only 21 and this is his first film! I hope to see a standing ovation at the Image & Nation festival in Montreal.Just watch it already!