Century films
HomeAbout usFilmographyContactAwardscenturynorth
images/nav3x1.gif
      Filmography  
 
  DocumentaryDramatalent_off  
 
 
BBC2

1 x 76 minutes
Transmitted 15 February 2004
A Century Films production for the BBC’s Taking Care season

Cast
Lee - Tom Burke
Martin - Freddie Cunliffe
Bella - Billie Piper
Mrs Rogers - Jane Lapotaire.

Script editor
Lila Rawlings
Original research
Lucy Bowden
Associate producer
Amy Flanagan
Line producer
Jane Nicholson
Director of photography
Roger Chapman
Sound recordist
Ian Maclagan
Dubbing mixer
George Foulgham
Editor
Stuart Briggs
Executive producers for the BBC
Adelene Alani and Mike Dormer
Executive producer
Judy Counihan
Producer
Katie Bailiff
Writer and director
Brian Hill

 

Bella and the Boys (2004)

This powerful drama is about a group of children growing up in a residential care home in south London. Rather than exploring the familiar territory of abuse by wicked care workers, this film looks at some of the more positive aspects of life in an institution.

The story unfolds over two different time periods. In 1990, Bella, Martin and Lee are living in Rylands children’s home. Martin and Lee are the best of friends, but both are in love with Bella. Friendship turns to rivalry, and after a series of incidents, Lee is moved to another home and Bella is heartbroken.

Thirteen years later and the home is closing down. A reunion is organised for past residents. Bella and Martin turn up but Lee is absent.

The film cuts between the different time periods as the audience gradually discovers Lee’s story.

In essence this is a love story, played out against a background of life in a care home. Funny, dramatic and shocking, ultimately the film is a positive and uplifting piece of work about human resilience.

 

“A beautiful portrait of teenage friendship and adolescence. And so nice to see well-written, well-acted, original telly drama.”
Sam Woollaston, The Guardian.

“The structure - moving between past and present - works brilliantly; the film has pace, energy and total conviction, and the acting is uniformly sensational. Billie Piper, in particular, is a revelation.”
The Times.