Twenty One

I didn't see this film until recently, long after I first became a Rufus fan. I was immediately struck by how dated it seems with its traces of 80's selfish excesses, plus it is in that curious disjointed style common to several British films of the early 90's. In fact I compare this film to some extent with "Dirty Weekend" which is of a similar vintage.

"Twenty-One" is a totally plotless, indulgent ramble that makes me wonder if everyone involved in making it was high on substances. How do such films get funding?

Patsy Kensit had youth and freshness and showed a lot of promise back then, although her character has very few qualities that I can sympathise with - drifting through jobs and affairs with no commitment or moral conscience. Only in her relationship with Bobby, as played by Rufus, does she show a genuine spark of decency.

Rufus is unnervingly convincing as a sweet, vulnerable lad whose life has been destroyed by his addiction and who is too weak-willed to save himself. He is capable of pulling every heart-string going with his big adoring eyes, his Scottish accent, and air of complete hopelessness.

Although the film itself has little merit, in his subtle performance as Bobby, Rufus proves again that despite his current status as a romantic hero, it is in this kind of character role that he feels most comfortable, and in which he truly excels.

From Sonia, Illinois, USA

I saw this film only once and didn't really like it; however, avid Rufus Sewell fans will probably want to check it out. Patsy Kensit is cute but not convincingly irresistable as an "adventurous" young woman who, no matter how many men she encounters, can't seem to form a healthy romantic relationship.

Rufus plays a charming and manipulative drug addict who catches the heroine's eye at work. They eventually move in together, but his addiction prevents him from being financially or sexually reliable. She loves and shelters him, but must seek sexual fulfillment elsewhere.

Rufus' character is really very tragic -- those used to seeing him play the virile romantic hero will be shocked by his sickly pallor and wasted physical appearance. He certainly plays a very convincing drug addict. You'll cringe at his self-serving and caddish behavior, but you'll also be drawn in by his charm and vulnerability.

Like I said, if you're an avid Rufus fan, you'll probably want to rent this one. However, be prepared to find Patsy's character very tiresome -- I certainly didn't find her emotional and sexual dilemmas to be very compelling.