MovieChat Forums > Run (2013) Discussion > So depressing! Why bother waking-up?

So depressing! Why bother waking-up?

posted 11 years ago by jwkfh
18 replies | jump to latest

The picture painted of London is just as filthy and depressing as major American cities. There goes that dream! The staring role highlights a woman who smokes like a stack, constantly drinks, steals and raises murderous thugs, that she turns into the police for committing a sensless homicide. I wanted to feel sorry for her. I have seen her in other roles (Broadchurch), where she had some redeeming value, but even in that role she was a tragic figure. Not everyone can live in a fairytale but please, don't let this show be your "bedtime" story!!!

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] maggiesoup-863-26136 11 years ago

I watched this on Catchup, the day after it was broadcast. I sure am glad it wasn't the last thing I saw before retiring to bed! Bleak, hopeless, despairing and depressing. Why would programme makers want to film something like this? We all know these situations exist- I, personally, do like a gritty drama- but this wasn't going anywhere but instead, was dragging the viewer down to the depths of despair!
As always, Olivia Coleman gave a brilliant performance as the put-upon mother, doing her best but not really showing a great example to her sons - chain-smoking, drinking and using language, which would strip the paint from the walls!!
All in all, this series should NEVER be viewed before bedtime- if you must- watch it on a sunny afternoon...followed by something like "The Big Bang Theory"!!!

[–] asteriK 11 years ago

Why would programme makers want to film something like this? We all know these situations exist

My guess would be that there actualy are plenty of people that do not know situations like this exist, or know very little about it. Though I do agree that it gave me a somewhat negative & down feeling afterwards I'm still glad that I did watch it. If only to give me a somewhat more realistic view on the world and of my own life compared to dreadful situations like the ones in these series.

[–] WatchCat 11 years ago

So depressing! Why bother waking-up?

So true!

However, not only were the episodes depressing because we witnessed/felt each of the lead characters' struggles with their own daily lives, this series leaves a near hopeless feeling for humanity because NONE of these characters had even an ounce of remorse for how much they wounded others.

"RUN" hit way too close to real life for me, having been the victim of burglaries, vandalism, and destruction of property by ... ???

I 'needed' to see even a LITTLE anguish felt by these 'people' over the very real harm they did to others but, apparently, their OWN lives matter so much more than anyone else's.

I did watch all 4 episodes because I hadn't given up hope that the final episode would show us SOMETHING redeeming but, sadly, there was nothing.

Absolutely excellent job by the cast! Their performances are sure to leave you feeling WAY down!

[–] amberm18 11 years ago

Just because something isn't a comedy doesn't make it bad watching, bad things happen in the world. Not all of London is like that of course, but some of it is. The second episode focuses more on the asian girl so I'm guessing it's showing different stories not just the one person. Very bleak show but very good so far.

[–] chelseaal 11 years ago

Excellent opening episode, never thought I'd hear the excellent Olivia Colman use the C-word.
Her 2 murderous thug children were excellent to watch.............very odious and spineless in their portrayal, which in real life, I doubt they are!

[–] maggiesoup-863-26136 11 years ago

I didn't suggest that everything should be a comedy - I was merely stating what everyone else was - that it was a very desolate drama and if affected, follow it with something lighter. I did also say that I enjoy gritty dramas but in my opinion, this was just too depressing to really enjoy it and, as a mother, I found it especially so. Thanks for the reply, however! ?

[–] Blake4014 11 years ago

I quite enjoyed the gritty dark theme, but then again. Im a sucker for movies like Nil by Mouth, and other gritty dramas. Though as others say, its certainly a dark reality knock, for many. As situations depicted are not happy or joyful in any way. But this is the other side of life! and occasionally, (for me anyway) it makes interesting viewing!

[–] blade691 11 years ago

as a born and bred Londener i have to disagree. There is a lot more to the 3 episodes so far than the usual depressing movies/shows with no plot. There has been a lot of substance to this and that is because the 2 writers are from this community. Just like i am but north of the river.
They have managed to put a story behind the people who's faces we may see but ignore. Lennie James put in an amazing performance that is personal and true to me as someone who has seen many go down that road. And the hope he felt at the end made me hope that he was on the way up.
Amazing drama looking forward to the final episode.

[–] 11 years ago

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[–] snashall82 11 years ago

Wow just watched the first episode.... (from aus so haven't seen any of the actors before) what great acting... On the edge of my chair from the first moment. Kinda powerful stuff a bit like "the jammed" a film from where i'm at. Melbourne.

[–] dexorcist808 11 years ago

Thought this was an amazing piece of television. Very gritty, realistic and believable. Best thing I have seen for ages. It may be bleak but this is what happens in real life. Excellent acting and script writing. Reminds me of the gritty realness of London To Brighton and Animal Kingdom.

Want more!

[–] KittyG26 11 years ago

I thought it was well-acted, and although it was based around a rather depressing story, I thought the ending was hopeful - ie, the mother was prepared to do what was morally right, instead of just continuing to turn a blind eye to the behaviour of her obnoxious sons.

[–] bashereddin 11 years ago

I'm quite annoyed. In episode 2 a black man called Jamal was heavily a feature of the episode, the way he helped Jing, gave her somewhere to stay, somewhere to eat, and even took a beating due to harboring her. However, I have trawled google, C4 and on here and can find no information as to the actor's name who played Jamal.

Pretty disgraceful really as I thought he was as important a character as the 'main' character. If anyone knows who the actor is, please holler..

[–] slomrtwo 11 years ago

Jamal played by Gershwyn Eustache Jr http://www.imdb.com/name/nm4771827/

[–] bashereddin 11 years ago

Thank you! Much appreciated Slomrtwo!

[–] Nia_J 9 years ago

lol watch Tyrannasaurus with Olivia Coleman....makes this programme look like a comedy