User Reviews

Highly recommended gritty Brit film that is at times intense that has good pace. When Charlie and Myra meet to the jealously of Myra's pimp, the obvious fireworks ensue. Do not be put off by the title of the film, it as nothing to do with Hannibal and his ilk.

Charlie's (Johnny Lee Miller) penchant for breaking in, but yet not stealing from places, is rewarded with time inside. Weathering the temptations and taunting of inmates and officers Charlie strives to make good on the outside. A chance encounter with a Kings Cross prostitute Myra (Sarah-Jane Potts) establishes a tender and absorbing romance between the two with some promise of security and salvation, that is, until pimp Charlie decides to call a halt to the proceedings.

Brilliantly shot and acted, the film premiered on British television in 1994 as part of a season of specifically commissioned films. The film's overwhelming sense of loss and struggle draws the viewer into the gritty underworld of vice and drugs often romanticised and glamorised by similar fare. However, Madden does not pull away from the desperation of his characters and nor does he revel in it. At times touching and poignant and others shockingly brutal the film is a highly recommended gem that deserves to be viewed.

Meat is one of the best BBC dramas I have seen for many years. Featuring stand-out perfomances from Jonny ( best remembered possibly for his part in Train Spotting and Hackers) and Peter Wright (who..as it happens can also be seen in the classic Naked directed by Mike Leigh). To my knowledge only shown on UK TV only the once, is in desperate need of a repeat. Written by Danny Boyle it follows the life of Charlie Dyce, a young offender who gets on the wrong side of the tracks and wants to make good. Travelling to London he meets Myra played by Sarah-Jane Potts who he falls in love with and who "can't get enough of him". "Say that again" he says. "I can't get enough of you, Charlie". Her boyfriend pimp, however, has other plans and a battle of wills rages supreme.

The film raises the serious debate about "giving in" to society and whether through choice or merely through lack of control of circumstances what happens to "us" is innevitable.

I just re-watched this drama &, once again, I am blown away by actors who did some of their best work at the beginning of their careers.

Miller at just 22 (and 2 yrs. Before the release of Trainspotting), is an absolute standout as the at one moment tender & the next moment volatile and violent central character, Charlie, who has been released after serving time as a young offender; his temperament & emotions are slowly revealed as balancing on a knife's-edge.

Simm, a fine character actor, gives us a glimpse of the brilliance he will display the following year in the first terrific Jimmy McGovern drama "Cracker" (a double episode called "Best Boys") followed in 1997 by "The Lakes" (both well-worth finding if you haven't watched them yet).

This film is a gritty &, at times tender at others visceral, ride but well worth the journey. It is, as another reviewer said, "a gem".

Oh, and if you think you recognise Sean Gilder (a familiar face on the telly) as a young detention officer you'd be right - he is in the film's end credits but not credited here on IMDb (either under "Meat" or his own list or credits - odd).