🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Ben Drew
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Music
- Release year: 2012
- Runtime (length): 2h 1min
- IMDb rating: 7.1/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A bunch of interconnected Londoners do bad things, then some less bad things happen, then everyone is sad, but maybe a little less sad at the end.
🍿 Ill Manors: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to a Harsh London
Set in London 2012, ‘Ill Manors’ dives into a community marked by poverty and violence, contrasting with the city’s Olympic glow. The film introduces several characters struggling to survive in this environment. Plan B uses narration through rap to provide background and context to their lives.

Intertwining Stories of Survival
The narrative follows Aaron, a drug dealer with a moral compass, and his troubled friend Ed. It also portrays the harsh realities faced by prostitutes Michelle and Katya. The film explores themes of drug dealing, prostitution, and the struggle for survival, highlighting the complex and often brutal conditions these characters endure.

A Cycle of Violence and Desperation
The characters’ lives become increasingly intertwined, leading to conflicts and tragic outcomes. A central plot involves Katya, an Eastern European woman escaping human trafficking who abandons her baby. The actions and decisions of the characters are influenced by their difficult pasts and the environment they inhabit, demonstrating the cycle of desperation.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Aaron (Riz Ahmed): A drug dealer with a conscience, Aaron navigates the dangerous streets of London while attempting to do the right thing.
- Ed (Ed Skrein): A ruthless and violent drug dealer, Ed is Aaron’s childhood friend and partner in crime.
- Chris (Lee Allen): A solitary and powerful drug dealer, Chris operates independently and is a major player in the area’s criminal underworld.
- Michelle (Anouska Mond): A prostitute struggling to survive, Michelle is routinely abused and exploited on the unforgiving streets.
- Social Worker (Sliem Ben-Salah): The social worker attempts to help those caught in the cycle of poverty and violence.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Aaron: “It’s a cycle, innit? You get dragged in, and you can’t get out.” – Reflects the feeling of being trapped in a life of crime and violence.
- Ed: “You gotta do what you gotta do to survive.” – Represents the moral ambiguity and desperation that drives the characters’ actions.
- Plan B (Narrator): “Welcome to ill Manors, where the streets are paved with broken dreams.” – Sets the tone and introduces the grim reality of the film’s setting.
💰Box Office
- Budget: £100,000
- Domestic Gross: N/A
- Worldwide Gross: $714,441
💥 Ill Manors Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so Ill Manors is intense. Like, really intense. I wasn’t prepared for how dark and gritty it was. But honestly, that’s what made it so captivating. Riz Ahmed is incredible, and the way Plan B uses music to tell the stories is genius. Some scenes were hard to watch, but the overall message about hope and redemption really resonated with me. It’s not a feel-good movie, but it’s definitely one that will stick with you.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of British crime dramas”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary”
- “Audiences who appreciate unique storytelling techniques”
- “Those familiar with Plan B’s music”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Graphic violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Prostitution”
- “Strong language”
- “Nudity”
- “Mature themes”
Professional Reviews
- MovieGeekBlog: “Despite touching on serious issues, Ill Manors feels like a film by a first-time director. Flashy visual devices feel random and arbitrary, borrowed from other films, and the story becomes repetitious, diminishing its important message. The acting is strong, especially from Riz Ahmed, but the bleakness can be overwhelming.
- Original: “Ill Manors is a gritty, unflinching look at life on the streets of London. While the interwoven stories can feel a bit disjointed, the film’s raw energy and powerful performances make it a compelling watch. Plan B’s unique blend of music and visuals creates a distinctive and memorable experience.
Audience Reactions
The raw realism and unflinching portrayal of urban life resonated deeply with viewers.: Viewers consistently praised the film’s powerful performances, especially Riz Ahmed’s, and Plan B’s innovative use of music.
Many appreciated the film’s attempt to explore the root causes of crime and violence.: While some found it overly bleak, most agreed that it was a thought-provoking and impactful film that stays with you long after viewing.
Overall Consensus: Ill Manors is a gritty and powerful crime thriller that offers a raw and unflinching look at life on the streets of London. While some find it overly bleak, most agree that it is a compelling and thought-provoking film with strong performances and innovative storytelling.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “Ill Manors is Ben Drew’s (Plan B) directorial debut, showcasing his multiple talents as a musician, actor, writer, and director.”
- “The film was made on a tight budget of approximately £100,000, highlighting the resourcefulness and creativity of the production team.”
- “The soundtrack album, also created by Plan B, became his second number-one album in the UK and achieved Gold status.”
🖥️ How to Watch Ill Manors?
As of my last update, ‘Ill Manors’ can be found for purchase or rental on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check these and other digital retailers to see current availability and pricing. Availability may vary depending on your region.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Ill Manors, you might like these similar films:
- Kidulthood (2006): Explores similar themes of youth, crime, and violence in London.
- Adulthood (2008): Continues the story and themes of Kidulthood, showing the consequences of those choices.
- La Haine (1995): A French film dealing with social issues, police brutality, and youth alienation in the banlieues of Paris, offering a similar perspective on urban decay.
- City of God (2002): Presents a raw and unflinching look at organized crime and gang violence in the favelas of Rio de Janeiro, resonating with Ill Manors’ depiction of a community trapped in cycles of violence.
- Bullet Boy (2004): Focuses on similar themes of gun crime and gang violence in London.
🛒 Ill Manors Related Products
- Ill Manors (Soundtrack): Experience the raw energy of the film with Plan B’s groundbreaking soundtrack. Featuring a mix of rap, grime, and orchestral elements, this album is a powerful companion to the movie. Perfect for fans of innovative and socially conscious music.
- Riz Ahmed Signed Photo: Own a piece of movie history with a signed photograph of Riz Ahmed. A must-have for fans of the actor and the film. Display it proudly and add prestige to your film memorabilia collection.
- Plan B – Ill Manors Movie Poster: Bring the intensity of Ill Manors to your wall with this striking poster. A great way to show your love for the film and its powerful message. It’s printed on high-quality paper. Frame it for an authentic look!
- East London Urban Crime Film Collection (DVD): Explore similar films of similar settings and themes. Explore films such as Kidulthood and Adulthood.
🎧 Soundtrack
Ill Manors features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “ill Manors” – performed by Plan B
- “Drug Dealer” – performed by Plan B
- “Lost My Way” – performed by Plan B
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Ill Manors’ is a British crime drama that explores the lives of several characters living in a poverty-stricken area of London. It deals with themes of drug dealing, prostitution, violence, and redemption, using interconnected storylines and rap narration.
The film was directed and written by Ben Drew, also known as the musician Plan B. He also composed the film’s soundtrack and served as the narrator.
‘Ill Manors’ was filmed on location in London, primarily in Manor Park, capturing the gritty realism of the urban environment.
🔥 Bonus Content
Plan B talks about Ill Manors
Want to know what Plan B was *really* trying to say with Ill Manors? Check out this interview where he dives deep into the movie’s message and his hopes for making a difference. It’s seriously thought-provoking!
Ed Skrein Interview – ill Manors World Premiere
Ever wondered what it’s like to be at a movie premiere? Ed Skrein shares his thoughts on Ill Manors right after the World Premiere, and his enthusiasm is contagious! Gives you a good feel for the movie’s vibe.
UK Community FIGHTS BACK!!!! | Americans React to Plan B Ill Manors
It’s always interesting to see how people from other countries react to movies about different cultures! Check out these American’s reactions after watching the movie, its great to watch their reactions to the commentary in the movie.
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