The gritty BBC crime drama film follows a 16-year-old boy who’s charged as an accessory to murder after giving a lift to his brother’s friends, unaware a crime was about to occur. It has been branded “heartbreaking” by fans
A BBC crime drama has left some viewers completely “heartbroken” but it may have slipped under the radar for many fans.
The BBC has earned a stellar reputation among many TV and film fanatics thanks to its many high quality productions which end up lauded for years after their release. There’s something for everyone, from lighthearted and fun sitcoms, steamy stories, and beloved period dramas, to hard-hitting, gritty crime favourites, and plenty more.
Many BBC-backed films are critically acclaimed and beloved to this day, from 2019’s musical crime drama hit Blue Story, and the social commentary Looted, to the 1989 Gary Oldman-fronted cult crime classic The Firm, and many more.
The BBC’s TV offerings are just as revered, with the likes of popular police drama Line of Duty and dark favourite Happy Valley regularly listed among the best the broadcaster has put out.
But a 90-minute crime film may have passed many viewers by – and if you enjoy gritty legal dramas, it’s well worth tuning in to.
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Common stars, from left to right, Susan Lynch as Margaret Ward, Nico Mirallegro as Johnjo O’Shea, and Jodhi May as Coleen O’Shea (Image: Tony Blake/BBC/LA Productions)
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 alum Michael Gambon.
The plot centres on 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.
Unbeknownst to Johnjo, one of his passengers has an ulterior motive for venturing to the takeaway – he wants to confront an adversary who’s going to be there.
An argument breaks out between one of Johnjo’s passengers and a bystander, Tommy Ward. Tommy is ultimately stabbed and killed by the passenger.
Johnjo finds himself in court charged as an accessory to murder, under the doctrine of common purpose; part of the UK’s controversial Joint Enterprise legal doctrine which allows multiple people to be prosecuted and convicted for the same crime – despite the different parts they may have played.
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Common can be streamed on BBC iPlayer(Image: BBC/LA Productions)
Writer Jimmy McGovern was inspired by the real life case of 16-year-old Jordan Cunliffe, who was sentenced under this law for a minimum term of 12 years for the murder of Garry Newlove, who was beaten to death in August 2007 after confronting a gang of youths outside his home.
Cunliffe was said to have had no active part in the attack on Newlove.
The film charts the legal process which ensues, as well as the impact and conflicts that occur between the varying families involved.
On Rotten Tomatoes, viewers have shared their thoughts on the somewhat forgotten drama. One fan 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.”
It was also praised by critics, with The Guardian branding it “a brutal and devastating drama” that’s “bleak, powerful” and “thick with political intent” though it noted this “occasionally robs it of its quality”.
Common is streaming now on BBC iPlayer.