16 Years Of Alcohol (DVD 2005)

I bought this DVD for 2 reasons. The main reason being it relates in part to the "true" skinhead cult, of which I am passionate and also because it is a home based (Scottish) production.

The story is part based on the life of Richard Jobson former front man with the punk group the Skids - who also directed the movie - and surrounds Frankie (Kevin McKidd) and his life story.

His early days are dominated by his womanising , alcoholic father who has a key bearing on his early development, hence the title.

His youth centres around his gang of 4 who are heavily influenced by both the skinhead movement and the film A Clockwork Orange. Although Frankie is the top dog in the gang, the part of the psychopathic Millar, played by Stuart Sinclair Blyth, is simply superb. Skinheads are supposed to be menacing and Millar certainly takes that part by the scruff of the neck.

In line with these types of developing sitiuations e.g Romper Stomper, Frankie gets eventually gets the girl, the gang fragment and there is the compulsory showdown between Millar and Frankie.

More tragic than comedy, the movie needs more than one viewing to appreciate it's scope and message. References to other movies are scattered throughout to great effect, including the Western genre - his father says to Frankie "draw Shane" to deflect attention away from his own precarious situations.

All in all a masterpiece and in particular I look forward to seing Stuart Sinclair Blyth cast as a mad man again very soon.