Urban Hymn (2015) User Reviews

The Power of music in a sort of gritty Brit drama.

[t-dooley-69-386916 · 6/10 · 4 March 2017]

Jamie is alone in the World except for her best mate Leanne (who is a sort of South London hard nut) and they have gotten on the wrong side of the tracks. This is against the backdrop of the riots in London of 2011 which they took advantage of.

Anyway they are in a Council run care home when a new social worker turns up who is determined to make a difference and then sees music as a possible way to reach out to Jamie to save/help her.

Now a lot of these themes have been used before – falling in with the wrong crowd, nurture versus nature and the idea that all the 'kids' need to find their way out of the gutter is one piece of inspiration; whether it be baseball, rap music or macramé. But this seems to do it with a fresh twist and the music is all great too.

Do not expect anything too 'gritty' either this is all a bit sanitised but it still has enough of an 'edge' to make it pack a punch albeit not a 'sucker' one.

A solid drama that could have done more with the social problems

[vampire_hounddog · 6/10 · 13 August 2020]

At the time of London riots in 2011, Jamie (Letita Wright), a misfit teenager living in a care home, is isolating with her equally wayward friend, Leanne (Isabella Laughland). They live in a children's home, but when an idealistic care worker (Shirley Henderson) grieving her own loss recognises a singing talent in Jamie, she also realises that she must separate her from Leanne in order for her to develop.

A drama that does a decent and sincere job in highlighting and recognising the problems of poverty and depravation, but alac does not run with this thread enough, instead drawing on sentimentality and satisfying itself with being a standard story without developing the social aspect.

Haunting redemptive coming of age film

[Headgirl74 · 8/10 · 14 February 2018]

Letitia Wright is going to be a big star. It's easy to see why her lead acting debut in Urban Hymn got her the role in Black Panther. She is so good in this film as are the other two female leads, Shirley Henderson and Isabella Laughland. Powerful, emotional viewing. 8 out of 10 for me.

Urban Hymn

[davidthorpeal · 9/10 · 5 June 2017]

Urban Hymn is an emotional, uplifting coming of age story about a young orphan named Jamie Harrison, portrayed by Letitia Wright, who has a passion for music. The director Michael Caton-Jones uses the gritty, realistic setting of life in impoverished London to drag the viewer into the realities of violence, drugs, and crime that the characters face. The expert use of this setting immerses the viewer and makes them seriously reflect on the methods the characters use to cope with the obstacles they face. Kate, a professor turned social worker, turns to her job to deal with the murder of her teenage son at the hands of troubled youths, just like the ones she works with. Jamie struggles to choose between her love for singing and the tempting life of crime and fun lead by her closest friend, Leanne. All the while, Leanne herself deals with the repercussions of her lifestyle and the distance that is growing between her and Jamie. Even if you haven't personally dealt with the problems that these characters face, their situations are authentic and relatable. The story deals with a myriad of themes from parenthood and friendship to abandonment and redemption, and still manages to balance them all into a cohesive narrative. No character is written without their faults, resulting in a very human story. For those of you like me who enjoy true-to-life characters and settings coupled with great stories, you will love Urban Hymn.

A gem of a film!

[elizabethalexander-08284 · 9/10 · 5 June 2017]

With cheesy teenage films coming out in the main stream I found it incredibly refreshing to get the opportunity to see the authentic and honest independent drama "Urban Hymn". This raw movie is about a troubled teen (Letitia Wright) who gets mentored by altruistic social worker (Shirley Henderson) who persuades her to take her talents of singing and performance and seek a healthy and successful life with it. This impactful movie opened my eyes to the importance of helping someone in need and the dangers of being around toxic and manipulative people. I genuinely feel that this coming-of-age film has so many valuable lessons revolving around never giving up, following your own passion, and accepting help from those open to giving it. I enjoyed seeing how Jamie and Kate (Shirley Henderson) friendship become stronger over time and I think it was incredibly meaningful that Jamie uses Kate's life advice and lessons to help her live the life she is entitled to even after Kate is gone. Another meaningful scene was when Jamie's (Letitia Wright) reckless friends barge in to Jamie's chorus group and make fun of the class, and Jamie tells them to leave and stands up for herself and the other chorus singers. It shows how much character development she has gone through and made me so excited to see her character transform in such a positive way. I loved every minute of this heart-wrenching and I highly recommend you taking the time to watch this!

A Splendid Work of Art

[monicamariesuarez · 9/10 · 5 June 2017]

Urban Hymn is as uplifting as it is breathtaking. Every second of this film is drenched with emotion, which can be attributed to the phenomenal acting of Shirley Henderson and Letitia Wright. Both women play their parts with infinite grace and realism, and breathe so much life into Kate and Jamie. Kate Linton is a social worker who dedicates her time to helping Jamie Harrison, a seemingly lost cause about to age out of a group home. Kate sees Jamie's potential and refuses to give up on her, even when Jamie gives up on herself. Ignoring the doubts of her husband and coworkers, Kate convinces Jamie to join a community choir. This small act of compassion helps Jamie blossom into a brilliant singer and gives her a way out from her tumultuous life. Music is tied in so elegantly with the plot of the film, and the scenes in which Jamie performs never feel awkward or out of place. Every character in this film has so much dimension, which makes them equally lovable and relatable. We see both the good and the bad of Jamie, yet we are able to relate with her tough life and questionable decisions. I have yet to see a film that inspires me as much as Urban Hymn has. From film buffs to music lovers, anyone can find some aspect of this masterpiece to relate to.

Stunning turnaround film with a twist

[anascarella · 9/10 · 6 June 2017]

What a breathtaking film! Urban Hymn is a powerful and heart-wrenching story of an inner-city teenager named Jamie Harrison, broken from her harrowing journey thus far. Jamie discovers her purpose in life through the grace and generosity of social worker Kate Linton, as she leads Jamie toward the power of music. Jamie then reveals to have a stunning voice that astonishes all who have only known her for pillaging and being an overall miscreant. Her troubled past life seems to get in the way of her newfound hope for a better life for herself, namely her degenerate best friend Leanne whose selfish attempts to keep Jamie from following her dream results in a shocking twist at the end of the film. From a cinematographic standpoint, the aesthetic of the multiple shots of Kate running through the park in London on a cloudy day matches the tone of film so perfectly. I think the thing that really makes this film stand out is its actors' incredible performances. They are so transparent and passionate; the story itself is such a classic turnaround coming of age story, but it is so beautifully and organically illustrated through these unique characters. This thrilling and complex film is definitely a must-see!

Amazing!!!!

[janepeterse · 9/10 · 5 June 2017]

Attention soul music fans, people who love inspiring movies, and everyone else: Urban Hymn is the movie for you. Urban Hymn is about Kate, a case worker assigned to Jamie. Kate spends her waking moments trying to better Jamie's life and finally finds a connection through her choir. Through the beauty and expression of music, Jamie not only turns her life around, but establishes the first positive role model relationship in her life with Kate. The contradiction of emotions I felt while watching Urban Hymn was unlike any other movie going experience I've had. I felt so deeply for each character that is was as if they were all truly important people in my life. Isabella Laughland's disturbingly convincing performance of Leanne Dixon was truly a visceral experience in which I felt like she was affecting my life, as well as Jamie's. Urban Hymn takes you to another place while you're watching. I recommend this movie because it is so original in that it just makes you feel different and diverse emotions.

Urban Hymn Sings a Refreshing Song You Haven't Heard Before

[christopherportiz · 9/10 · 7 June 2017]

Urban Hymn boasts a story line booming with talented vocals, but a screenplay with the delicacy of a harp. Indeed, there are clearly some talented writers behind the scenes, drumming a surprisingly human beat to which the actors move. The end result is a polished picture, with themes and moments that linger with the viewer weeks after the screen goes black. We follow Jamie Harrison in this plot, a troubled teen who has lost her way to the temptations of the inner city. By her side is a questionable friend, Leanne Dixon, who stands as a reasonably dedicated presence before her unpredictable behavior proves detrimental. Things start to look up for Jamie when Kate Linton (a tough as nails, yet understanding social worker) enters the picture, trying to steer her path in a more productive direction through music. Rich in both heart and heartbreak, Urban Hymn is the rare film that manages to build and break us in ways that don't feel canned or cliché. It is truly demonstrative of talented writing at play, coupled with a visual excellence matched only by big- budget Oscar-bait films. I recommend it highly, as it beyond impressed this jaded moviegoer's heart. Keep your ears out for this one; you won't be disappointed with what you hear.

Emotional and Expertly-made British Drama

[justinannazone · 9/10 · 5 June 2017]

Urban Hymn, directed by Michael Caton-Jones, is the story of a troubled youth saved by her love of music. That may sound all-too-familiar, but the story of Jamie Harrison is set apart by the quality of the performances, filmmaking and music selection. The stellar work of Shirley Henderson and Letitia Wright is sure to have you fighting back tears at least once as the film moves along, as will Caton-Jones' beautiful shots. Close-ups of sunflowers, trees swaying in the breeze, neon-soaked clubs and London streets are all captured masterfully and the accompanying soul songs do not hurt either. At the heart of Urban Hymn, though, is the relationship triangle of Jamie, her rough best friend (Leanne) and her caring social worker (Kate). The three push and pull at each other constantly, enabling one to get what they want while disappointing another. Kate wants the best for Jamie in a way to cope with the death of her son while Leanne wants to keep Jamie in a life of crime because she is all she ever had. This leads to some great tension and emotion throughout. I immediately think of a confrontation between Leanne and Kate that is nerve-racking enough to make you shout at the screen. Caton-Jones' film is at the top of its class and I recommend Urban Hymn to anyone looking for a compelling and expertly-crafted piece of cinema.

Moments of Waiting Pay Off With Emotional Rewards

[jsscmrgndvs · 10/10 · 2 June 2017]

With quiet grace, Urban Hymn steps forth onto the stage, a single spotlight pierces the darkness, a pinprick of sound in a void, we wait.

This entire film is waiting, with bated breath and hardened limbs, we wait. We wait for our wispy protagonist (Shirley Henderson) to connect with her troubled teen charge (Letitia Wright). We wait for this troubled teen to step out from her shadows and brave the light, we wait. This film gains traction as it moves, it relishes in the evolution of its characters, and celebrates their triumphs. Director Michael Caton Jones celebrates the individual in this film, which is exactly what saves it from the all too familiar pitfalls of its genre. Following the well worn path of past coming of age stories, Jones breathes new life to this emotional journey with his brilliant cast. Shirley Henderson becomes social worker Kate Linton, a grieving mother struggling to let go of her murdered son. Henderson plays this part beautifully, equal parts confident and hesitant, never overplaying either, she finds a delicate balance within her character. New to the screen Letitia Wright, too talented to believe this is her first feature lead role, lends her trembling, soprano voice to the film. Wright manages to be both brash and vulnerable within the same breath, a skill that lends itself well to his film.

Outside of the dangerous dichotomy between Kate and Jamie Harrison, London looms, and it has never looked so beautiful. Cinematographer Dennis Crossan creates a world from a pallet of muted tones, careful faded pastels juxtaposed with warm gashes of golden light. Crossan keeps the camera tight on our characters, and the claustrophobic nature of the film fails to lift except in a few moments of unbridled freedom. It is for these moments that we wait, we wait for our happy ending, for our characters to find themselves. Sometimes we wait for nothing, but in this movie the wait is worth it.

Sing a song and it'll feel better

[seanrushdrive · 9/10 · 7 June 2017]

Urban Hymn, a new film by Michael Caton-Jones, explores depths in London-based youth delinquents that are seldom discussed. Following Jamie, a troubled teenager, she has multiple run ins with the law. She bunks with other troubled kids and feels the need to cause trouble and harm for no true cause other than to live for the moment. But she meets Kate, a social worker, who challenges Jamie to transform herself and abandon her abrasive attitude and make something of herself. This is not a clean act as temptations in the form of possessive friend, Leanne, keeps Jamie in check and fears for being abandoned. Regardless, Kate is determined to show Jamie that she has true potential that can really take her to better places. It's a feel good movie that focuses on character and amazingly, these actors keep the momentum moving and the film more engrossing. It's well paced and sensitively directed. The music is enlightening and pivotal to the story. Wonderfully true to life, film lovers will discover that Urban Hymn really gives character study a good name!

Dynamic and Engaging Drama, Must See!

[kaylifsutl · 9/10 · 7 June 2017]

Urban Hymn is a stunning and complex drama that keeps you on your toes throughout. I was surprised by this film's ability to grab my attention and sustain it, I truly couldn't look away.

The director, Michael Caton-Jones, takes you on an immersive journey through the lives of a case worker and a troubled teen and their unexpected common ground in music. Jamie has been through many hardships in her 17 years and has barely any hope for her future. Kate, her case worker, teaches her to realize her potential and inspire her to follow her passions. This is a story of overcoming your past, accepting a helping hand and understanding that you are more than your circumstances. This film is truly a tear-jerking coming of age story that reminds us that everyday can be a fresh start. I recommend this film to anyone who has a passion for music, its affect in people's lives and an appreciation for film that isn't afraid to be unapologetically human.

A weighty story with a convincing cast

[r96sk · 8/10 · 14 August 2020]

Excellent!

'Urban Hymn' is much more heartfelt and meaningful than I thought it would be. It avoids doing the usual, over-the-top thing of making every kid in the film a wannabe gangster and making them all silly criminals. Don't get me wrong, it does have shades of that but I feel it portrays it in a much more subtle manner than most films of this type do.

The cast are brilliant. Letitia Wright gives a superb performance as Jamie, I believed in her character from the get-go; which is thanks to the writing et al. but also to Wright. Isabella Laughland as Leanne is very good, as is Shirley Henderson as Kate. The support cast are also well chosen.

One thing I will note is that the film does peak a little too early. The first half of it is fantastic, as is the rest all in all but it does drop off slightly once everything's been understood. It is also somewhat predictable, though that's not a negative thing if the production makes it work - which this does.

Well worth your viewing time. A weighty story with a convincing cast.

My review

[jamiehamilton-32866 · 10/10 · 13 May 2018]

Not much to say other than the fact that this film was both beautiful and heartbreaking at the same time, anybody can achieve any goal as long as they believe in themselves no matter their background.

Urban Hymn Review

[gabidopico · 7 June 2017]

Urban Hymn is the best coming of age movie I have seen in a while! The movie shows the struggles faced by a troubled teen trying to better her future. In the beginning of the film there is not much hope for foster child Jamie, until a new case worker comes along and changes everything. The case worker is played by Shirley Henderson, who also plays Moaning Myrtle. Once Kate, the case worker, gets involved with Jamie's life there are noticeable differences in her behavior. Kate introduces Jamie to a music group and ends up changing her life. My favorite part of this film was when Jamie finally stands up to her friend Leanne, who would continuously draw Jamie it to making very bad decisions. I felt that even though Leanne was a negative influence on Jamie, that she wasn't a bad person, just never learned any better. I think that this film shows the truth of what living in a foster home would be like, also the impact that social workers have on their foster children. Foster children are sometimes given up on, but Urban Hymn shows that a little support and motive great things will happen. I recommend this movie to anyone looking for a feel-good film.