Urban Hymn

Name: Urban Hymn
Genre: Drama, Crime
Released: May 12, 2017
Duration: 114 min
Rating: 51
Cast: Caroline O'Neill, Ian Hart, Isabella Laughland, Jack McMullen, Letitia Wright

2017

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Mixed or average reviews based on 9 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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7.5

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7.5	User Score Generally favorable reviews based on 11 Ratings

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Urban Hymn

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Movie Details & Credits

Level 33 Entertainment | Release Date: May 12, 2017 | Not Rated

Starring: Caroline O'Neill, Ian Hart, Isabella Laughland, Jack McMullen, Letitia Wright, Matthew Steer, Russell Balogh, Shaun Parkes, Shirley Henderson, Steven Mackintosh, Tiger Rudge

Summary: Urban Hymn follows a troubled teenage girl, Jamie, who possesses an amazing singing voice, and an inspiring and unconventional social worker, Kate, who encourages her to use it.

Director: Michael Caton-Jones

Genre(s): Drama, Crime

Rating: Not Rated

Runtime: 114 min

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Critic Reviews

James Mottram

Apr 25, 2017

It’s heavy-handed, but with such fine performances from the youngsters, aided by the ever-reliable Shirley Henderson (as a social worker), that it’s hard not to get sucked into this tragic tale. Read full review

Jamie Neish

Apr 25, 2017

Led by a trio of tremendous performances from its female leads, Wright, front and centre as Jamie, is the stand-out. Read full review

Neil Genzlinger

May 11, 2017

If Urban Hymn starts with that familiar dynamic, it stays surprisingly fresh thanks to three fine performances and a willingness to be uncompromising. Read full review

The Guardian Mike McCahill

Apr 25, 2017

A mixed bag, but one that comes good in its closing stretch, working its way towards a place of quiet power. Read full review

Brad Wheeler

May 11, 2017

Handled by veteran Scottish director Michael Caton-Jones, Urban Hymn is an unimaginative drama, carried by solid acting – Isabella Laughland is chilling as the possessive, menacing Leanne – but let down by an unspectacular script. Read full review

Dennis Harvey

Apr 25, 2017

Competent if pedestrian Urban Hymn takes a familiar walk down the path of inspirational youth drama. Read full review

Time Out London Tom Huddleston

Apr 25, 2017

The crude good-girl/bad-girl dynamic between its young leads is just one of many crass elements in this woolly, well-meaning but fatally unconvincing melodrama. Read full review

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User Reviews

seanriverahere

Jun 5, 2017

Urban Hymn is a new triumph from Rob Roy director Michael Caton-Jones. Instead of a sword and dagger epic, Jones crafts a modern coming of age story true to the trials of urban life in London. There’s social worker Kate who discovers a bad egg of hers, Jamie, possess a unique talent inUrban Hymn is a new triumph from Rob Roy director Michael Caton-Jones. Instead of a sword and dagger epic, Jones crafts a modern coming of age story true to the trials of urban life in London. There’s social worker Kate who discovers a bad egg of hers, Jamie, possess a unique talent in singing. Though reluctant and held as a teenage delinquent, Kate doesn’t rest until Jamie can get past her angst and recognize her possible salvation. Jones shepherds this film with great ease and plumps it with heart and tension at it’s character driven moments that will most certainly grip any new viewer to the screen and subsequently steal away their hearts.… Expand

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Gdipico

Jun 5, 2017

Michael Caton-Jones has amazed me once again! Urban Hymn has become one of my favorite coming of age movies. This film shows how much of an impact music can have on someone in need of something to believe in. I love music for any occasion and think that there is so much more to music thanMichael Caton-Jones has amazed me once again! Urban Hymn has become one of my favorite coming of age movies. This film shows how much of an impact music can have on someone in need of something to believe in. I love music for any occasion and think that there is so much more to music than just a good song. To see music used as a way out of a situation like Jamie’s meant so much to me. Although this movie is fiction, I believe that there is so much that people can relate to in Urban Hymn. The relationship between Jamie and Leeann was very interesting to me. I think that even though Leeann did continue to bring Jamie down the wrong path, that she did really love her and at some points even support her dreams. There is always a time in your life that you have to remove yourself from a bad influence, making this film extremely relatable. I recommend this movie to any interested in a tear-jerking movie showing a troubled teen reach her potential. … Expand

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CostasM

Jun 5, 2017

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Michael Caton-Jones’ coming of age film, Urban Hymn, is sure to be remembered among the highest ranks in the coming of age film genre. Jones’ film is unrelenting; unafraid to present squalor of condition as well as an absence of a sense of security among the poor youth displayed in the film. What Jones gives his audience is a story, which, while very compelling and moving, makes itself this way through its heavy contrast of socioeconomic conditions and how these conditions affect the lives of two poor girls in London. Jones’ ability to visually represent the splitting of two virtually congruent lives through gradual influence in various aspects, or lack of influence, takes the viewer through an emotional experience like no other. This film would be perfect for those looking for a coming of age film that takes itself serious in every aspect.… Expand

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JustinAnderson

Jun 6, 2017

There is a moment in Urban Hymn where Jamie sings and the entire film around her falls aways. The stage goes dark and the camera closes in on Jamie’s face and for a moment there is nothing but joy in her expression. Letitia Wright’s turn as Jamie is a breakout role, with her performanceThere is a moment in Urban Hymn where Jamie sings and the entire film around her falls aways. The stage goes dark and the camera closes in on Jamie’s face and for a moment there is nothing but joy in her expression. Letitia Wright’s turn as Jamie is a breakout role, with her performance conjuring sorrow and happiness in equal measure. The excellent work of Shirley Henderson and Isabella Laughland only further propel Wright as she grapples with following her dreams or staying in the life of crime she knows. This struggle is only accentuated by the musical performances. The songs are beautifully performed and evocative of what Jamie feels. Director Michael Caton-Jones compliments the songs with gorgeous cinematography. Urban Hymn is a film that is perfectly executed at every level and it makes it an exemplary coming of age story that I highly recommend.… Expand

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kaylirichardso

Jun 6, 2017

If you’ve been looking for a powerful and soulful movie of friendship, loss and love, look no further than Urban Hymn. Shirley Henderson’s character is passionate, dramatic and unflinching in her quest to help a young girl overcome her past. In this film a young girl, Jamie, follows herIf you’ve been looking for a powerful and soulful movie of friendship, loss and love, look no further than Urban Hymn. Shirley Henderson’s character is passionate, dramatic and unflinching in her quest to help a young girl overcome her past. In this film a young girl, Jamie, follows her passion for music and turns it from a coping mechanism into a career. I recommend this powerful and engaging film for anyone who wants to be inspired and reminded of how compassion can change the lives of others.… Expand

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JessRhiannon

Jun 7, 2017

I was riveted by Urban Hymn, a taunt and tumultuous drama that falls into the coming of age genre. Director Michael Caton Jones has created a story of resilience, redemption and reflection. His film revolves around three characters, each played with actors that give uncompromising andI was riveted by Urban Hymn, a taunt and tumultuous drama that falls into the coming of age genre. Director Michael Caton Jones has created a story of resilience, redemption and reflection. His film revolves around three characters, each played with actors that give uncompromising and powerful performances. Center stage is Jamie Harrison (Letitia Wright) a lean and sinewy teenager with a chip on her shoulder and a bone to pick. She is never without her best friend Leanne Dixon (Isabella Laughland), an equally dangerous figure whose only trusted companion is Jamie. Rounding out this trio is Kate Linton (Shirley Henderson) an equally complex and intricate character. Linton is a social worker trying to cope with the loss of her son by saving Jamie through her musical talent. This film finds a delicate balance and harmony between its vivid and distinctive characters, its subtle and delicate cinematography, and its uncompromising script. Easily one of the best films I have seen this year, and a film that is a must see for those you who appreciate this caliber of artistry and emotion in movies.… Expand

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ebethjames

Jun 7, 2017

This inspiring film about the journey of a troubled teen named Jamie going from nothing to having a world filled with hope and support is one that inspires all who watch. Jamie’s path to a second chance is thanks to a grieving social worker that copes by putting all her energy into her wardsThis inspiring film about the journey of a troubled teen named Jamie going from nothing to having a world filled with hope and support is one that inspires all who watch. Jamie’s path to a second chance is thanks to a grieving social worker that copes by putting all her energy into her wards and paving the way through the powerful tool of music. The cohesive tone of the scripted paired with the cool tones and muted colors of the scenes enhance the emotional effect the film crew was going for. This realistic and emotional film creates an array of parallels that keeps you captivated throughout the story telling of this inspirational journey. I highly recommend this film to anyone looking for a deeper emotional and inspirational Coming of Age film.… Expand

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