Underground (1998) Poster

(I) (1998)

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5/10
Very mixed movie
wrddtdn1 January 2024
The good: Great story, very real reflection of London drugs scene and how it's often driven by the 'underclass' on shabby council estates. For such a low budget feature, the camerawork is often compelling, and the relentless hip-hop rave soundtrack clearly reflects the subject matter.

The bad: Sometimes the acting leaves something to be desired. There's a quite unnecessary element of sleaze in one lengthy scene, and in that scene there is a quite appallingly acted and written scenario involving the guy with white hair/beard and glasses.

All in all it's definitely worth watching provided that the subject matter doesn't turn you off.
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Movie of the Year
jeff0807-127 October 2004
This film should have been the film of the year. Made for a ridiculously low budget, it tells the story of a young drug dealer named Rat who deals a bad E to a girl at a rave and is then pursued by the rave organiser who objects to Rat dealing on his patch. Told over the course of one night, Rat can find no one to help him find shelter and is turned away by friends and family, suffering one betrayal after another. A cast of unknowns (apart from Ian Drury) are superb and it is a crime that Paul Spurrier is not a major league director by now. I cannot rate this movie highly enough and I urge anyone with an interest in youth culture and great movie making to see it. 10 out of 10.
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9/10
A realistic story of drugs and violence in the City of London
skunkjunkie16 February 2001
In my opinion this is one of the most realistic British films I have ever seen.

Underground is the story of a weekend in the life of Rat a young drug dealer in South London. His Friday and Saturday nights are spent in Clubs selling ecstasy to ravers. He gets into a bit of trouble with a club owner when a pill that he supplied makes a girl collapse. During his time running from the club owner Rat sees and experiences some very interesting and strange things. I won't spoil it for you but the scene with the hippie explaining that the weed is improving brought a big smile to my face.

If you liked "Human Traffic" or the American Film "Go" I think you will enjoy this. Go out and try to find yourself a copy.
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1/10
Seriously??!
movie_mark_7215 December 2023
One of the worst films I've ever had the displeasure of sitting through.

(I say through, I'm calling time on it less that 45 mins in)

Ok so it's low budget, but that's no excuse for the diabolical script, the comically bad acting, forgettable soundtrack and laughable story.

For films that realistically capture the essence of 90's clubbing, head for Wiz's incredible promo for Flowered Up's 'Weekender', the BBC2 film Loved Up, or even the rave episode of Morse.

Non of them were done on a big budget but all captured the highs and lows of the rave era with pinpoint accuracy.

This film is a joke, look elsewhere.
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8/10
grim tale of urban decay
kjepett507 May 2003
I found this film in the budget section of my local video dealer,i had never heard of this film befor but i was greatly surprised. The film is about a 15 year old drugdealer whos life fall apart one nigt.A girl dies of drug he sold,and other dealers start to chase him. the film is extremely low budget most of the actors are unknown,except for Ian Dury hvo plays the kids father. Underground has many drug reference and lots of nudity,but if you are not put out of that underground will show you a realistic view of modern London. It is always good to see a movie made because the filmmakers has something inportant to say.
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