Good concept, poorly executed.

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Let me be very fair here, this is not the best movie in my opinion. But, this movie is fun, it has purpose and is very enjoyable to watch.

Strong acting helps the film overcome an uncertain premise and create characters that hold our attention absolutely.

A wonderful story told in a superb manner. WHY WHY hasn't this movie gone beyond UK. Unfortunately i have to say I saw this story on Youtube during my search of Tom Hardy movies after watching Warrior. I was completely mesmerized by the acting in this movie by both leading actors. Tom brought his soul into his character and I felt I knew what his Stuart was thinking just by his expressions etc. Tom Hardy is definitely someone to look out for, not for anything but his true ability to 'act'. I only wish I had the opportunity to see him on stage one day. This story is a must for all to see, see the story about faces of the people you walk past in the streets each day, the people that you ignore and forget about it. I highly recommend you take the time to watch it.

Stuart: A Life Backwards does not have much going for it to make it popular. It was a British TV movie based on a popular but not widely known book. However, the story has more than enough heart to overcome any production limitations on this film.The acting in this film is lead almost exclusively by Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch. It is hard to believe that these two were acting in such an unknown film at the time, as both have gone on to star in and gain critical acclaim for performances in "Inception" and "Star Trek: Into Darkness" respectively. Their performances here, however are at the very least equal if not far exceeding what they were able to accomplish in those film's.Tom Hardy is know for his ability to transform for a role; body, voice, mannerisms, etc. It is truly exceptional when an actor I know so well completely disappears into a role. There is no hint of the charming Eames, or intimidating Bane (except in one particular scene). His performance is outstanding and above all, believable, which is highly important for a role such as his.Benedict Cumberbatch's character is developed and changed by his relationship with Stuart, and he plays him with subtlety, allowing the viewer to focus on the character they ought to be paying attention to. He is a very relatable character, from his initial discomfort with Stuart to his total transformation by the end. The two together work perfectly, and are completely believable unlikely friends.The story itself offers a view into a part and a class of society that many of us tend to shy away from. Watching the film, we realize how many people we have seen like Stuart, but have been far too uncomfortable or caring to bother giving them our time. The film does not, as Alexander puts it "make excuses for Stuart", it simply displays his life as it happened, and we are left to make our choice on what "killed the boy he used to be".The production is very simple. There is rarely a close-up, and the cinematography is, to be honest, boring. But little more can be expected of a TV movie. However, as I said, the story and the characters are what make the film, and they are more than enough to give good reason to watch it.

This was a very touching movie. It tells the story of a man who, through a series of misfortunes throughout his life, has turned to crime, drugs, and violence. Despite Stuart's checkered past he proves to be a deep and compassionate person who you really can't help but become endeared to. The most heartbreaking thing is learning how this child was abused and somewhat pushed down the path of failure that he encountered. It really says a lot about the state of welfare, mental health care, and social services in society. Tom Hardy and Benedict Cumberbatch were both excellent. Tom Hardy especially has proved to be an extremely transformative actor in every role I've seen him in and I look forward to seeing him in more things in the future.

Alexander Master's book, Stuart: A Life Backwards, is a masterpiece and probably influences my rating here but I think this adaptation for the BBC captures all the elements of the story extremely well. Whilst some of the detail of the tragic events of Stuart's childhood are given little airtime, the impression is not lost and reflects the need to stick to 90 minutes per the BBC's commission rather than being the result misguiding adaptation.The viewer is taken on a trip through the downs and downs of Stuart's incomprehensibly tough upbringing in reverse, starting with his present day life as a psychotic homeless junkie and moving back towards the climax of the movie which is the horrific abuse he suffered so young in his short life and how his dependence on the drug of violence was initially catalysed.Stuart is superbly played by Tom Hardy and whilst it can take a while to tune in to his often quiet and Muscular Dystrophy affected voice, ultimately it only reflects on the quality of the performance that this aspect was not compromised for the viewers.I was less satisfied by the casting of Benedict Cumberbatch as Alexander, the author who befriends Stuart through the biographical process. I'm sure he plays Alexander very accurately but I found it harder to believe in this character.Finally, I wish the movie had focused more on the possible reasons for the final outcome. The book spends a good deal of time on the epilogue and when watching with my wife who had not read the book, I felt that I needed to explain more than perhaps ought to have been necessary. Having spoken to the director, David Attwood, he did convince me to a degree that it was better this way.Regardless, as a self-contained piece of work, the movie is an amazing piece of work for all concerned and it deserves all the plaudits and credit it has received; not least for the input of Stuart's family and Alexander himself. I don't recall watching such a good TV movie in many many years Stuart Shorter, rest in peace; it wasn't your fault.