I am so glad I finally got around to watching this title. It is by far the most original film with a gay central character that I have seen in a long while and I have seen plenty. Usually I tend to migrate towards foreign language films exploring gay subjects because their cultural take on gay life is oftentimes quite specific and original. I did not expect such originality from a British film and I can't understand how I missed it. To the naysayers on here I despair - it takes a brave person to write so convincingly and powerfully on a subject not explored before. The depiction of personal hatred and societal hatred was palpable and real. The making of revealed the myriad sources from which the idea had been researched and the significance of this tour de force really hit home. OK some of the acting is not quite on a par with more experience actors but the genuine grit and conviction in the performances made up for these excusable inadequacies. 10 out of 10 quite simply British at it's best. I could go on but I realise I am gushing - but I have to try and counter so much negative nonsense on here. Buy it, don't rent it and don't steal it off an illegal site (like a certain person I know did) - these film makers deserve to get every penny for their effort in the vain hope they make something as good again....

There are some long reviews on here that are bang on in their praise for this film to which I won't add another. The more negative reviews I simply don't get.This is energetic, urgent, vibrant street independent film making - an example of indie film working and succeeding to professionally pull it off. It speaks a truth that is visceral and resonates with a reality often not told or observed in the gay film pantheon. This feels like a film made with a bigger budget than I suspect it had. Bravo this is a film that deserves better attention and I have no doubt will go down in the annals as a significant film from daring writers, a eagle eyed editor, a blasting score and soundtrack, an interesting director and a ambitious producers. Kudos to you all.

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!

So this film Shank…. I was round at a friends house one night and I must stress he his gay, now he knows that I'm not but I'm also very much into my films. With a huge smile on his face he hands me a DVD and told me not to ask any questions but just watch it and review it so here I am doing just that....For the first few scenes of this film it comes across as very graphic, I won't say exactly how graphic but let's just say in terms of films that have concentrated on subjects such as the one portrayed it's the most graphic I've seen. It's clearly stated in the summery and plot synopsis that it's about a lad that after a chance meeting hits off a relationship but not just that this film has such a strong message on the kinds of things young gay couples or teenagers who think they are gay go through when it comes to telling family members and friends.Yes this film is also very graphic in terms of violence, in fact the finale of this film was very graphic, in some ways I wish I could have turned it off but I continued watching for the fact that the story of fear, changes and the intense storyline makes you want to watch it through till the end but trust me when you do finally make it to the end there is one last twist which will leave an impact in different ways on different people. If you're gay, straight or even bi try and get a copy of this film, even if your friends take the mick out of you for doing so then once you've watched it convince them to watch it and trust me they'll see that this film is much more than just a film about a lad figuring out that he's gay, it's something much different.