Critic Rating
(read reviews)User Rating
Director
Gillies MacKinnon
Cast
Molly Parker,
Harry Eden,
Keira Knightley,
Vinnie Hunter,
David Wenham,
Nitin Ganatra
Genre
Drama
Paul struggles through adolescence in London after the death of his father as he is left with a negligent mother who is addicted to heroin. He strikes up a friendship with a young waitress, but discovers she too harbours her own dark secrets. Paul nevertheless tries to keep the family together.
We hate to say it, but we can't find anywhere to view this film.
L.A. Weekly by Ella Taylor
Real kudos goes to Molly Parker, searing as a heroin-addicted mother immobilized by the death of her husband, and to a poised little boy named Harry Eden, who's astonishingly good as the 10-year-old son desperately trying to hold her to the straight and narrow.
The Hollywood Reporter by Kirk Honeycutt
Pure's lively and colorful cinematic style turns a "downer" story about grim lives and desperation into a powerful love story.
Portland Oregonian by Marc Mohan
It's not without one or two missteps, but remains likely the most impressive juvenile acting you'll see this year.
Chicago Sun-Times by Roger Ebert
One of the movie's intriguing qualities is that its horrors take place within a world that is not as cruel and painful as we know it could be.
Entertainment Weekly
Pure belongs to Eden, a remarkably strong child actor, and Deadwood's Molly Parker, broken and affecting as his sweaty, gear-crazy mum.
Chicago Reader by J.R. Jones
A small but achingly authentic piece of kitchen-sink realism, this might never have made it across the pond without babe du jour Keira Knightley, excellent in a supporting role as a smacked-out waitress. But the real wonder is Parker, whose vulnerability and wraithlike beauty are devastating.
The A.V. Club by Nathan Rabin
Pure loses a bit of its nerve in the home stretch, but Eden's unforgettable performance alone makes it a compelling portrait of a smart young boy forced to grow up way too fast.
Variety by David Stratton
The film belongs to Eden, who creates a winning personality out of a combination of vulnerability, resourcefulness, toughness and fragility. It's an outstanding juvenile performance.
Los Angeles Times by Carina Chocano
This is a conventional, well-acted, English working-class drama in the familiar realist style, but it does not attain anywhere near the level of artistry and imagination of a Ken Loach film.
TV Guide Magazine by Maitland McDonagh
MacKinnon's film draws on his past as a youth worker and features a standout performance from first-time performer Harry Eden.
Loading recommendations...
Loading recommendations...