Rating: 
Summary: Can't Help Lovin' That Man...
Review: "Nil by Mouth" is a movie that takes its sweet time to get going. In the beginning, it's filled with too many characters and dialogues that don't seem very relevant. But once it gets going... Boy, does it ever get going. It's a brutally honest and disturbing look at domestic violence, drug abuse and poverty, and while it's very difficult to watch at times, it's also extremely gripping. The two leads, Kathy Burke and Ray Winstone, are absolutely phenomenal in portraying characters that are much more complex than just a victim and an abuser (the exchange between the apologetic Ray and angry Val after Ray had beaten up Val for the umpteenth time, and Ray's monologue about his own abusive father, are two of the most memorable and powerful movie moments in recent memory), and the supporting cast (including Gary Oldman's sister Laila Morse in her debut) is superb as well. I think the movie's subplot about Billy the junkie ("Trainspotting" without the humor, if you will) gets perhaps a little over developed though. It is integral to the main story line, but it becomes too distracting at times. Gary Oldman does a tremendous job in his directorial debut. The script seems very authentic, probably because most of the characters and the events in the movie are taken from his own experiences, and his cinema vérité style (minus the shaky camera, thank God) suits the grittiness and honesty of the film extremely well. The music is also excellent throughout. I know I'll never listen to "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" the same way ever again, that's for sure.
Rating:
Summary: Can't Help Lovin' That Man...
Review: "Nil by Mouth" is a movie that takes its sweet time to get going. In the beginning, it's filled with too many characters and dialogues that don't seem very relevant. But once it gets going... Boy, does it ever get going. It's a brutally honest and disturbing look at domestic violence, drug abuse and poverty, and while it's very difficult to watch at times, it's also extremely gripping. The two leads, Kathy Burke and Ray Winstone, are absolutely phenomenal in portraying characters that are much more complex than just a victim and an abuser (the exchange between the apologetic Ray and angry Val after Ray had beaten up Val for the umpteenth time, and Ray's monologue about his own abusive father, are two of the most memorable and powerful movie moments in recent memory), and the supporting cast (including Gary Oldman's sister Laila Morse in her debut) is superb as well. I think the movie's subplot about Billy the junkie ("Trainspotting" without the humor, if you will) gets perhaps a little over developed though. It is integral to the main story line, but it becomes too distracting at times. Gary Oldman does a tremendous job in his directorial debut. The script seems very authentic, probably because most of the characters and the events in the movie are taken from his own experiences, and his cinema vérité style (minus the shaky camera, thank God) suits the grittiness and honesty of the film extremely well. The music is also excellent throughout. I know I'll never listen to "Can't Help Lovin' That Man" the same way ever again, that's for sure.
Rating: 
Summary: Stark and real, sad and beautiful
Review: A remarkable film, most so for its unusually realistic depiction of the endless cycle of abuse in which so many women find themselves trapped -- not something one finds in a "market-tested" Hollywood movie. A refreshing, if bleak departure from fantasy. Don't bother if you're looking to escape. Separately, I would like to add mine to the chorus of voices desperate to get their hands on either a soundtrack or an album by Frances Ashman that contains her songs from the film.
Rating:
Summary: A movie that left a lasting impression - well worth watching
Review: Along with everybody else, I am desperate to find the SOUNDTRACK - can somebody let us know how to get hold of it?
Rating:
Summary: Nil By Mouth
Review: An absolute 'must see' film.. An incredibly powerful portrayal of the wrong side of inner city life and all that there is to be avoided. It could also be used as documentary, to shown to anyone looking like falling foul of the law, just how bad life can get if care isn't taken. Ray Winston and Kathy Burke deserve recognition so badly that it really makes a mockery of mainstream Oscar type, rubbish awards...
Rating:
Summary: Nil By Mouth takes peek into Gary Oldman's psyche
Review: Being a huge fan of Gary Oldman, I was extremely excited to see this movie. What a great way to see some of how his mind works. Afterwards, however, I was saddened to find this was it. Don't get me wrong; this movie is fantastic. It's a gritty, raw, brilliantly-acted look at an abusive husband in England, and it affects you from the first frame. However, you can't help but wonder if this is somewhat of a trip through Mr. Oldman's childhood which may have led to his own bout with alcoholism. This is a deeply meaningful film and I recommend it highly.
Rating:
Summary: Food for thought
Review: Every so often you get to watch a film, that without special effects or a star studded cast brings you away full of thought, confused, happy, angry or just shocked at the realism. To think that the content of this film happens everyday all over the world; from drug taking, thieving, and violence to a generally awful standard of living, Winstone and Burke's portrayal of undergroud life is genuine and believable. In the style of a documentary this is a rare insight into what goes on in the complicated irrational mind of a man full of hate, who's actions only become partly understandable at the end. This isn't meant to be entertaining but it's purpose is fulfilled superbly. A must see.
Rating:
Summary: This is what video is for - why isn't it available?
Review: First off, thanks to McIntosh for the music listings - I've been looking all over for the soundtrack and this should help to at least track down some of the beautiful songs in this superb film. Now about the movie - this is one of the best things I've seen in several years. It is an extremely personal, ultra-realistic story that will have you thinking about it weeks on end. For those who want a look at human nature and don't expect everything to be tied up at the end of two hours. A brilliant first effort from Gary Oldman, strongly reminiscent of Mike Leigh (apparently they worked together early in Oldman's career) - I wish it was available at a normal video price.
Rating:
Summary: Nil By Mouth soundtrack has not been released - however.....
Review: here's a list of the music used in the soundtrack of "Nil By Mouth." An actual album was never released in conjunction with the film but some of the non-original pieces are available elsewhere. Firstly - ERIC CLAPTON composed the original score for the film - I'm not sure if the music has featured on any of Clapton's recent releases. An unsigned artist (to my knowledge) by the name of FRANCES ASHMAN also has original tracks featured: namely "PECULIAR GROOVE" and "PANDORA" plus her version of Cole Porter's "MY HEART BELONGS TO DADDY." Most of the other music should be obtainable: "LAS VEGAS" - TONY CHRISTIE - MCA RECORDS "WEAKLING" - CRAZY TAD - ELEKTRA RECORDS / WEA "WHAT DO YOU WANT" - ADAM FAITH - EMI UK "BEI MIR BIST DU SCHON (MEANS THAT YOU'RE GRAND)" - ANDREWS SISTERS - MCA RECORDS "LITTLE SHEILA" - NLH with Spikey T & Saunders - don't know whether this is available. Finally, the version of "CAN'T HELP LOVIN' DAT MAN" mimed by Edna Dore (Kath) towards the end of the film is actually sung by Gary Oldman's mum Kathleen (song is by Jerome Kern and Oscar Hammerstein II.)
Rating:
Summary: Powerfull, Original and Realistic.
Review: I am one of those people who rates a film on how much I think about it AFTER I have seen it. This film has stuck with me for the better part of two weeks and is easily one of the most original, realistic and powerful movies I have seen in a long time. Unfolding more as a docu-drama than a traditional story, this movie brings you into the lives of a South London family plauged by a multi-generational cycle of poverty, abuse and addiction. What separated "Nil By Mouth" from so many other movies about poverty and abuse is that rather than sanitizing it with obvious villians and heros, the characters all contain elements of both. As a contrast, we are also shown their friends, some of whom are worse off and others who have managed to find rewards and happiness in their lives. Another factor which makes this film so captivating is that the actors truly inhabit their roles and show range and depth that you see from real people but not often enough in a movie. Addressing the issue of violence in the film, I commend the entire cast and crew for not playing to the obvious shock factor or galmorizing it, but rather showing violence in all of its cold, random reality. Finally, like all of the other reviewers, I would like to ask where's the Soundtrack?!? The music for this film is fantastic! If any Label Personnel read this, please consider releasing/licensing the music... there is a market for it and it's too good to leave on video.
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