I liked this film because it shows the changes in a man as he grows in maturity. He is trying to fight his way out of England's version of a "ghetto" by learning to fence, but when his dreams of Olympic glory fade, he returns to the old ways of street life. He is falsely accused of a crime and must go on the run which takes him to a girl's school to hide. What I thought most endearing about this film is the strength Steve McTear(Robson Green)gets from his mother, even though she is recovering from a recent stroke. This isn't a 5-star movie and it doesn't really have a happy ending. It has a ending that might occur in life, even though the situations may not. The viewer will wish complete happiness for all the major characters and each will receive some of that happiness, but not all of it.

I gave this movie a 7 because it has flaws, but it is an enjoyable film. Don't read too much into it, just enjoy it.