A Way Of Life

"In terms of skill and passion, the adolescent ensemble recalls that in "Mean Creek," but it's James who shoots the lights out with an absolutely sensational handling of a nearly impossible character. Her fiery delivery seems almost too much to bear early on, but the wrath and love are somehow balanced and paced for full effect..."

"Asante has a strong sense of place, the ugly, derelict area reflecting the spiritual emptiness of the embittered community. Without sentimentality or explicit comment, she shows the remorseless escalation towards violence..."

"The ending - plainly prefigured in the opening scene - is as downbeat as may be imagined, yet the viewer is left in awe at the skill on show... [Asante] has made a bleak and darkly brilliant film and announced herself as a bright new talent..."

"As a first film this is bleak but brilliant stuff. Asante is definitely one to watch..."

"In directorial debut A Way Of Life, Amma Asante achieves two notable feats. As well as making your average Ken Loach film feel like a knockabout comedy, she delivers a raw and immensely moving drama about life on the wrong side of the South Wales tracks. This is a hugely accomplished British movie that deserves to be seen..."