Synopsis
Set against the backdrop of the 2011 UK summer riots, Jamie, a young female offender who possesses a remarkable voice, meets a determined social worker who inspires her to use it.
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Cast
- Shirley HendersonKate Linton
- Letitia WrightJamie Harrison
- Isabella LaughlandLeanne Dixon
- Ian HartIan Wilson
- Steven MackintoshDavid Linton
- Caroline O'NeillFiona
- Shaun ParkesCharlie
- Matthew SteerMichael
- Jack McMullenDean
- Jamie TaylorPeter
Recommendations
- 80
CineVue
Led by a trio of tremendous performances from its female leads, Wright, front and centre as Jamie, is the stand-out. - 80
Total Film
It’s heavy-handed, but with such fine performances from the youngsters, aided by the ever-reliable Shirley Henderson (as a social worker), that it’s hard not to get sucked into this tragic tale. - 80
The New York Times
If Urban Hymn starts with that familiar dynamic, it stays surprisingly fresh thanks to three fine performances and a willingness to be uncompromising. - 70
Los Angeles Times
Urban Hymn is so carefully and lovingly made by director Michael Caton-Jones and his leads that it’s hard to begrudge the British drama its familiar premise, especially as you squint at the screen through tears. - 60
The Guardian
A mixed bag, but one that comes good in its closing stretch, working its way towards a place of quiet power. - 50
Variety
Competent if pedestrian Urban Hymn takes a familiar walk down the path of inspirational youth drama. - 50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
Handled by veteran Scottish director Michael Caton-Jones, Urban Hymn is an unimaginative drama, carried by solid acting – Isabella Laughland is chilling as the possessive, menacing Leanne – but let down by an unspectacular script. - 37
Washington Post
Music redeems an at-risk teen in Urban Hymn, a social-problem melodrama whose other major characters don’t fare so well.
