Noel Clarke, the British multihyphenate, has returning to the film franchise that I’d say most (especially on this side of the pond) know him for, to complete what is in essence a trilogy of films that begun with “Kidulthood” in 2006, followed by “Adulthood” in 2008, and will apparently now end with “Brotherhood,” which Clarke’s Unstoppable Entertainment is producing.
Already released in the UK earlier this year, although no word of USA distribution at this time, Clarke directed “Brotherhood” from a script he wrote, and also stars in the film. He is joined in front of the camera by Arnold Oceng, Ashley Thomas and Red Madrell, with Jason Maza, Olivia Chenery and artist Stormzy – making his feature acting debut.
A film that kickstarted the “British hood film movement,” as it’s been labeled, “Kidulthood” (2006) followed the lives of several apathetic, disillusioned teenagers in inner west London. It was directed by Menhaj Huda from a script written by Noel Clarke, who also stars in the film, and directed the sequel “Adulthood” (2008), which picked up 6 years after the end of “Kidulthood,” and followed the film’s star (Clarke), released from prison after doing time for murder, a little older and wiser, as he tries to bring an end to the cycle of violence he and his pals are caught up in, and make something positive out of all the destruction he caused.
Both films, which feature some very early work of a few British stars of today like Aml Ameen, Nicholas Hoult, and Adam Deacon, were modest box office successes in the UK.
Clarke reprises his role as lead protagonist Sam in “Brotherhood,” which is being released just in time for the 10-year anniversary of the release of the film that started it all, “Kidulthood.”
Both “Kidulthood” and “Adulthood” used to be available to stream on Netflix, but are no longer. So you’ll have to rent or buy them on DVD if you’d like to check them out.
Ahead of the upcoming release of “Brotherhood” in the USA (I’d expect it to happen some time in 2017), familiarize yourself with the franchise by watching the below 30-minute documentary on the making of the first film that launched it all, “Kidulthood.” Titled “The Making of ‘Kidulthood'” the documentary actually comes with the DVD disc of the film as a special feature. Lucky for you, it’s been uploaded to YouTube, so check it out below. It’s 30 minutes long.
First, watch the latest trailer for the upcoming “Brotherhood” below (the documentary on the making of “Kidulthood” is underneath it):
Watch “The Making of ‘Kidulthood’,” which is around 30 minutes, below:
