Blue Story, the critically acclaimed gangster drama with a near-perfect 93% Rotten Tomatoes score, has quietly landed on BBC iPlayer. The film, written and directed by Rapman (real name Andrew Onwubolu), stars Stephen Odubola and Khali Best, and chronicles a gang dispute that shatters the deep-seated friendship among a group of south London companions.
Plot and Critical Reception
The story centres on Timmy, a reserved teenager from Deptford who attends school in Peckham, where he meets Marco, a charismatic youth from a rival postcode. Despite their backgrounds, the pair forge a profound friendship that is ultimately tested by gang violence. One Rotten Tomatoes critic described it as 'absolutely beautiful, need a sequel now,' while another added: 'It's brutal, raw, and often hard to watch - and hard to understand at times. However, it is striking and will stay with you well after you watch it. The storytelling, with narrative hip hop interludes from Rapman, is totally unique and fresh.'
Cinema Ban and Controversy
Blue Story was pulled from Vue cinemas in 2019 following a violent incident in Birmingham. Rapman maintained there was 'no connection' between his film and the events. 'They were just in a cinema apparently for Frozen 2 but then they pinned it on Blue Story,' he told BBC News. 'And then you start thinking, is there hidden reasons there? Is there a colour thing? You start thinking of all these things, and it was an upsetting time.'
Vue rejected any suggestion that the decision was racially motivated, with a spokesperson stating: 'No. Categorically not.' The chain clarified that the film was pulled after 25 separate incidents reported by staff involving customers watching or attempting to watch the film. Vue implemented measures including bolstered security and cancellation of late-night screenings, but 'continued to see significant problems.' Vue founder Tim Richards disputed claims that those responsible had been attending Frozen 2, calling them 'simply not true,' and stressed that the company does not condone violence or discrimination.
Availability and Impact
An IMDB reviewer awarded the film ten stars, calling it 'the best film I've seen in a long time' and praising its focus on friendship and relationships despite the gang violence theme. Blue Story is now streaming on BBC iPlayer.
