BBC crime drama perfect for Broadchurch fans leaves viewers ‘heartbroken’ | Films | Entertainment

A “gritty” BBC crime drama has left viewers “heartbroken”, bur it may have escaped the attention of many film fans.

The BBC has earned a strong reputation among TV and film fans thanks to its wealth of high-calibre productions which continue to receive praise long after they first aired. There’s something to suit all tastes, from light and entertaining sitcoms, racy dramas, and beloved period pieces, to unflinching, raw crime staples, and much more.

Many BBC-backed films remain critically acclaimed and treasured to this day, from 2019’s musical crime drama hit Blue Story, and the socially conscious Looted, to the 1989 Gary Oldman-led cult crime favourite The Firm, and countless others.

The BBC’s television output is equally esteemed, with the likes of hit police drama Line of Duty and dark gem Happy Valley frequently ranked among the finest the broadcaster has produced.

However, a 90-minute crime film may have slipped past many viewers – and if you appreciate hard-edged legal dramas, it is could be right up your street.

It’s the 2014 made-for-television film, Common. It was written by Jimmy McGovern and directed by David Blair. The film stars Nico Mirallegro, Michelle Fairley and Harry Potter alumnus Michael Gambon.

The story follows 17-year-old Johnjo O’Shea, played by Mirallegro, who is asked to give his older brother’s friends a lift in his brother’s car to a pizza takeaway. Unknown to Johnjo though, one of his passengers harbours a hidden agenda for the trip to the takeaway – he intends to confront a rival who will be there.

A row erupts between one of Johnjo’s passengers and an onlooker, Tommy Ward. Tommy is eventually stabbed and fatally wounded by the passenger.

Johnjo ends up in court accused as an accessory to murder, under the doctrine of common purpose; a component of the UK’s contentious Joint Enterprise legal doctrine which permits multiple people to be prosecuted and found guilty of the same offence – regardless of their varying roles.

Writer Jimmy McGovern drew inspiration from the real-life case of 16-year-old Jordan Cunliffe, who received a sentence under this law for a minimum of 12 years for the murder of Garry Newlove, who was beaten to death in August 2007 after challenging a group of youths outside his home.

Cunliffe was reported to have played no active role in the assault on Newlove.

The film follows the legal proceedings that unfold, alongside the consequences and tensions that arise between the different families caught up in events.

On Rotten Tomatoes, viewers have shared their thoughts to the somewhat forgotten drama. One said: “Actor and storyline driven, this gritty British drama brings a new area of crime and punishment to light.

“Jodhi May stands out, but with many regular British drama faces, this is a tale that leaves no mother without an emotional pull.”

Another said: “I thought this was a simple movie, but powerful all the same.”

While a third added: “Very well made and acted, but so heartbreaking I never want to see it again.”

Critics were equally full of praise, with The Guardian describing it as “a brutal and devastating drama” that’s “bleak, powerful” and “thick with political intent”, though it noted this “occasionally robs it of its quality”.