Blue Story proved to be a controversial film on its cinema release, confronting current race, gang and postcode-wars issues head on and allegedly inciting young urban cinemagoers at some screenings. It is an uncomfortable film to watch, not only because of the terrific authentic breakout performances of Micheal Ward and Stephen Odubola but largely because it puts the viewer in the situation of utter helplessness as two best friends follow an inescapably inevitable path. The film bristles with energy, rage and always-imminent violence (where even a late-night stop at a chip shop turns suddenly into something horrible), with clear and appalling consequences for everyone. Indeed, whilst the film does vividly portray and point out the futility and devastation of this social set-up, it perhaps disappointingly offers no real alternative or way out of the cycle of recruitment, retribution and destruction that it displays right to the end, but as a dramatic snapshot of a particular social and cultural moment, Blue Story is a raw and powerful film-making statement.
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