Penda's Fen

this is the second film of alan clarke's that i have seen, and wow is it different from the bitter realism of the last one, but somehow very similar too. i like that this was released shortly after edward heaths resignation. i hate tories.

i cant think of any other words to say except for that i loved this.

this is the second film of alan clarke's that i have seen, and wow is it different from the bitter realism of the last one, but somehow very similar too. i like that this was released shortly after edward heaths resignation. i hate tories.

i cant think of any other words to say except for that i loved this.

Nothing at all what I was expecting, For some reason Letterboxd has this down as a horror film when in reality it's more of a coming of age film with theme's of paganism.

Truly an anomaly in Clarke's filmography as it eschews the bleakness his subject matter is accustomed to. This is however just as political as anything else he directed only not nearly as confronting.

I can't decide whether I liked it or loved it, Stephen is such a compelling character with a really satisfying development. His staunch traditionalist Protestant beliefs are challenged by his burgeoning sexuality, the discovery of his foreign biological parents and historical connection to the land.
It was really touching in a way, seeing a film that reflects Clarke's political outlook and the intersections it has with identity (both national and personal).

Among his best without a doubt.

Nothing at all what I was expecting, For some reason Letterboxd has this down as a horror film when in reality it's more of a coming of age film with theme's of paganism.

Truly an anomaly in Clarke's filmography as it eschews the bleakness his subject matter is accustomed to. This is however just as political as anything else he directed only not nearly as confronting.

I can't decide whether I liked it or loved it, Stephen is such a compelling character with a really satisfying development. His staunch traditionalist Protestant beliefs are challenged by his burgeoning sexuality, the discovery of his foreign biological parents and historical connection to the land.
It was really touching in a way, seeing a film that reflects Clarke's political outlook and the intersections it has with identity (both national and personal).

Among his best without a doubt.

“No, I am nothing pure. My race is mixed. My sex is mixed. I am woman and man. Light with darkness. I am nothing special. Nothing pure. I am mud and flame.”

The quiet melancholy of a repressed British upbringing is, perhaps, lost on me, but that yearning to belong, a search for answers, is universal. The dream sequences, Stephen’s crises of sexuality, are the most visually stunning and materially interesting parts of this piece, and they are unfortunately few and far between.

“No, I am nothing pure. My race is mixed. My sex is mixed. I am woman and man. Light with darkness. I am nothing special. Nothing pure. I am mud and flame.”

The quiet melancholy of a repressed British upbringing is, perhaps, lost on me, but that yearning to belong, a search for answers, is universal. The dream sequences, Stephen’s crises of sexuality, are the most visually stunning and materially interesting parts of this piece, and they are unfortunately few and far between.

A person coming to terms with their sexuality and that ultimately being the thing that kickstarts them into questioning morality and nature I think is one of the truest experiences you can show when it comes to queerness. This movie is a great example of that.

It really astonishes me that this was something that aired on BBC in the early 70s

A person coming to terms with their sexuality and that ultimately being the thing that kickstarts them into questioning morality and nature I think is one of the truest experiences you can show when it comes to queerness. This movie is a great example of that.

It really astonishes me that this was something that aired on BBC in the early 70s

Probably my favourite Alan Clarke film yet. So beautifuly shot and so strange for a 1970s BBC television play. That being said, I don't know if I understand everything about it, specifically some of the dream sequences, but nevertheless this was still very enjoyable. It seems Alan Clarke is becoming one of my favourite directors

Probably my favourite Alan Clarke film yet. So beautifuly shot and so strange for a 1970s BBC television play. That being said, I don't know if I understand everything about it, specifically some of the dream sequences, but nevertheless this was still very enjoyable. It seems Alan Clarke is becoming one of my favourite directors