- Film Review
- Reviewed By Sloan Freer
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4 out of 5
Two schoolboy brothers have a week to spend a load of stolen sterling before the UK switches to the euro in this charming comedy drama from director Danny Boyle (Trainspotting, Slumdog Millionaire). It's a feel-good fantasy that plays like Boyle's Shallow Grave re-imagined for a family audience. Alex Etel is wonderful as Damian, the angel-faced seven-year-old whose hilarious visitations from saints lead him to believe that the mislaid robbery loot that lands in his lap is actually a gift from God. But while he wants to use the money for worthy causes, his nine-year-old brother, Anthony (Lewis McGibbon), favours entirely personal consumption, leading to a clash of wills that attracts the wrong kind of attention. Boyle handles the material deftly, delivering a quintessentially British morality tale that's sweet but never nauseating. A mix of youthful innocence and sprightly insouciance keeps events skipping along, while James Nesbitt's affectionate supporting performance as the youngsters' widowed father provides emotional balance.
Plot Summary
Comedy drama from Slumdog Millionaire director Danny Boyle, starring James Nesbitt. When seven-year-old Damian finds the mislaid proceeds from a bank robbery, he thinks it's a gift from God. Determined to use the money to help others, he clashes with his nine-year-old brother Anthony, who believes they should keep the loot for themselves. Whatever they decide, they have to move quickly because it's only a week until the UK switches to the euro, after which the cash will be worthless.
Cast and crew
Cast
- Ronnie Cunningham
- James Nesbitt
- Dorothy
- Daisy Donovan
- Damian Cunningham
- Alex Etel
- Anthony Cunningham
- Lewis McGibbon
- The Man
- Christopher Fulford
- Community policeman
- Pearce Quigley
- Mum
- Jane Hogarth
- St Peter
- Alun Armstrong
- St Francis
- Enzo Cilenti
- St Joseph
- Nasser Memarzia
Crew
- Director
- Danny Boyle
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