4 Weddings and a Funeral this is not. If, like me, you're completely weddinged out following the relentless media build-up to yesterday's royal nuptials, you'll be relieved to know that there isn't sight or sound of a wedding in 4.3.2.1. There's a smidgeon of love interest, but it's not central to the action. Phew! (By the way, if you are sick of the world of weddings, then steer clear of Sky Movies Drama & Romance today - it's gone marriage movie mad).
The 4 in 4.3.2.1. by the way, refers to the four young women at the heart of this film - sassy and outspoken Kerrys (Shanika Warren-Markland), down-trodden American Jo (Emma Roberts), rich kid blonde pianist Cassandra (Tamsin Egerton) and troubled graffiti artist Shannon (Ophelia Lovibond).
3 films into his screenwriting career, actor/director/screenwriter Noel Clarke has produced a real surprise. His first two features Kidulthood and Adulthood are edgy, memorable, thought-provoking, and cleverly observed movies, but this one, I think, is far, far richer. It's the tale of four urban girlfriends who get drawn into a jewel heist while grappling with relationships with their families, with society and with each other.
The number 3 is significant in that it refers to the 3 days during which the action takes place.
By the way, maybe I think this movie is Clarke's best because I'm a woman and I love that this film captures the world of urban youth from a female perspective. Clarke was criticised after Kidulthood for not writing women very well, and 4.3.2.1 was a response to that. It was in fact written before Adulthood, but released later, but in any case it proved those critics wrong.
I know people, though, who don't think much of 4.3.2.1. However, for me, the film's playful structure (a story told from the perspectives of each of the four girls), its dry wit, and simply the superb characterisation of the four leads all make this movie a much more rewarding experience than the Kidulthood/Adulthood movies.
2 is a nod towards the movie's inevitable sequel - it has one of those sequel-suggesting endings. But what will it be called? 4.3.2.1. 2. No, not likely to be that, but who cares, bring it on. I'll watch it.
2 also refers to the 2 cities that feature in this urban thriller - New York and London.
1 overriding joy of this movie for me is its comedy. There's a cheeky off-the-cuff sense of humour which enriches the narrative as well as the personalities of the characters. The tale is over the top and completely unbelievable, but that's why I found it so entertaining.
The 1 actually refers to the '1 chance' encounter with diamond thieves which drives the narrative. However, in my opinion, it's 4.3.2.1.'s comedy that makes this film a gem far more impressive than the rocks that lie at the heart of its thriller plot.
4.3.2.1. is currently showing today - 30th April - on Sky Movies Premiere at 10pm, and at various times throughout the week
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