Cherrybomb at the Berlinale – reviews

092608_rupertgrint2_th1

This is where you can read reviews for Cherrybomb as they appear, including translations. Any praise for Rupert Grint will of course appear in our Rave Reviews section, but if you wish to see what the film critics at the Berlinale make of the movie as a whole this is the place to go!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Berliner MorgenPost (daily paper)

Translated by Susanne W

Three young Morning Post reporters have tired eyes these days. They are on the move for all things “Berlinale”, writing down which festival films you shouldn’t miss. The festival has its own section for teens. Under the label “Generation 14plus” there are 14 “long” films competing for the Crystal Bear awarded by the youth jury.
Among the stars of 14plus is Rupert Grint, who doesn’t bear any resemblance to Harry Potter’s friend Ron in his new role…
Read the tips from the youth film critics.
Engaging, moving: Cherrybomb, a drama about three teenagers. The triangle between Malachy (Rupert Grint), Luke (Robert Sheehan) and Michelle (Kimberley Nixon) ends dramatically.

Cherrybomb
The film “Cherrybomb” gives an insight into the lives of Malachy (Rupert Grint) and Luke (Robert Sheehan), two Irish teenagers, who are drifting after their finals (School examinations).
They spend their free time jobbing and partying excessively.
These two fireworks waiting to be lit can’t do much damage until Michelle, the daughter of the leisureplex owner, waltzes into their lives and lights the fuse.
The fuse is burning, the heat is rising, and not only in the competition for Michelle.
Malachy and Luke get totally immersed by the competition, and while they try to outdo each other, they inexorably get nearer to an explosive finale.
Cherrybomb is in many ways an extraordinary film.
It shows mercilessly what can happen if the fuse is really lit.
The film convinces with expressive imagery and outstanding main actors.
It has no need for shocking special effects or overloaded dialogue geered to trigger tears.
Through its unadorned directness the youth drama remains authentic and profound.
The momentum provided by the race for Michelle, is conclusive.
Also, the inevitable explosion at the end leaves a lasting impression on the audience.
A convincing, yes, exciting all around work of art.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Maerkische Allgemeine

Translated by Ivana

Generation, the name is spot on. The cinema can no longer afford to tell only fairy tales to the young spectators. Since their living environment has become increasingly complex, the children and teenagers have also become very fastidious. Happyends are welcome, but even if they are missing, this is also true (to life).
The one who already has to be counted among the winners is the Briton Rupert Grint. In the Harry Potter films he is Ronald Weasley, the best friend of the eponymous wizard-in-training, and the eternal second behind the actor who portrays him, Daniel Radcliffe. In Cherrybomb, which has its world premiere in the 14plus section, Grint is allowed to get rid of the buddy-image.

The film tells a tale of three friends who, after finishing school, fall into a limbo and drown their lack of prospect in life in alcohol. The directors Glenn Leyburn and Lisa Barros D’Sa deliver their standout psychological portrait of young people as a colourfully illustrated, fast paced road movie.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Berliner Morgenpost

Translated by Susanne W

The competition includes 14 “long” films, whose youthful protagonists search for their identity in a globalised world. Family and tradition don’t provide a reliable support any longer.

Rupert Grint, the red-headed Ron-actor of the Harry-Potter films, will provide some glamour.
Tumultuous scenes at the premiere of his film “Cherrybomb’, similar to those last year at the appearance of Bollywood star Shah Rukh Khan, are likely.
Grint has many fans worldwide–”Rupert’s Army”. [YES, THAT'S US!!! ICM RULES!!!]

Like his collegue Daniel Radcliffe, Grint too is trying to change his image for the post-Potter-era and he holds his own very honorably!

“Cherrybomb” is a fast paced teenage drama about two friends, Malachy (Grint) and Luke (Robert Sheehan), who want to experience the summer of their lives.
Until the attractive Michelle bursts into their lives: who gets the girl first? Drugs, parties, wild car chases, a life in the fast lane- until the tragic end.
A father-son relationship has an important place in “Cherrybomb”, as in many 14plus films.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Junge Journalisten

Translated by Ivana

Gripping Actors

One usually expects of Rupert Grint something to do with magic. But actually Malachy does not have a magic wand or anything else magical.

Together with its best friend Luke (Robert Sheehan), he attends parties, smokes, takes drugs, and indulges in other types of fun. Then Michelle (Kimberley Nixon) shows up. The best friends suddenly turn into rivals.

I was particularly pleased by the graffiti, which Malachy has sprayed onto the walls, because they are a cool and not brutal way of expressing his inner feelings. Although the boys want to outdo one another, they do hold together when one of them is attacked. His friend  Luke comes to the rescue and saves his life. The story satisfied me, because it shows how profound or superficial friendships can be. I wasn’t really into the girl, but more into the friendship between the boys. I found it actually unnecessary that the girl had to be such a bad character. I also liked the fact that the many SMS which are exchanged are shown as large pictures for everyone to see.

All three actors played in such a gripping way that one might think, all this would have really happened. The film was partly funny; unfortunately, because of the accent, I could not understand everything. But in the end, I will remember it as a rather bleak movie.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Berliner Morgenpost

Translated by Susanne W

Rupert Grint — An Afternoon in the Midst of the Harry Potter Fans

1:30pm, in front of the Babylon theatre. The red carpet is rolled out and the fist fans gather, with albums, pens and cellphone cameras, ready for the autograph hunt.

Rupert Grint, better known as Ron Weasley from the Harry-Potter-movies, is expected – World premiere of his new film “Cherrybomb”.

He plays a teenager named Malachy, who fights with his friend Luke over the beautiful Michelle.
In front of the traditional Movie theatre, the situation is reversed: Here the girls are in competition over the 19-year-old [20, actually] superstar Grint. Standing close to the barrier, Katherine, Luisa and Freya are interviewed for the fourth time by journalists. Are you fans of Rupert Grint? Was is it that so great about him? What is his special appeal? The three answer fairly routinely by now – that red hair is simply more attractive and Rupert is the most talented actor in the Potter films anyway. The three students did not get tickets for the performance, sold-out after a few minutes, but they want to at least get a glimpse of their star .

Lorana has flown in from London for this special moment. “This is my first time in Berlin and my very first film festival. I’m very excited” admits the 21 year old. She has many questions for Rupert noted on a piece of paper, and hopes to as at least one during the interview after the film.

2.07pm. Finally it’s time: a silver-grey small van arrives and unloads two of the three main actors from Cherrybomb: Robert Sheehan und Kimberley Nixon.
Then, close behind, Rupert follows in an official black Berlinale limousine.
Small, but notable differences. Immediately the pack jumps on the red-haired Brit. Cheers and screams sound in waves through the temporarily blocked Rosa-Luxemburg-Straße.

Rupert takes his time. He reacts to the shouts, looks left, then right, smiles. While their collegue (Rupert) is delayed by signing autographs, Robert and Kimberly walk the red carpet, back and forth (I’m starting to feel sorry for the two, I have to admit!)

Suddenly there is turmoil, when a young woman in a wheelchair implores for an autograph. Of course she gets it, and a hug in addition. The press is satisfied, they note: “Julia, 22, everything okay!”

After an additional 10 minutes of: “Rupert, over here, please!” and “Rupert, to the left”, the three actors enter the movie theater and are led onto the balcony. Then the doors are openend for the rest and the room rapidly fills. The fuller it gets inside, the sadder are the faces of the people in the long line at the cash register. But a few seats always stay free, and by the delayed start at 2:50pm, the hard-core Rupie-groupies [That's us!!!] have managed to get in. For Freya and her friends, the wait was worthwile: in addition to the autograph an foto, they’ve managed to get one of the last tickets for the film, which is celebrated with cheers and applause for minutes, at the end. The Berlinale makes it possible.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Der Tagesspiegel

Translated by Ivana

Malachy (Rupert Grint, familiar as Ron, the best friend of Harry Potter) is the pride of its parents. He makes some cash by working in the leisureplex. Luke (Robert Sheehan) grows up with his alcoholic father and deals drugs for his brother. His refuge is music, his signature eccentric things/actions. Malachy and Luke are best friends, despite being as different as fire and water.

It is summer and the duo wants fun, freedom and parties. While they’re hanging in the leisureplex, they suddenly bump into Michelle (Kimberley Nixon): blond, cherry lips, in a babydoll dress and ankle boots. She has recently moved in with Malachy’s boss, her father, who however is not interested on his own daughter, but in her best friend Donna. For both Luke and Malachy it is clear: this girl Michelle, we want her. Both of us. A series of challenges ensues, in order to determine who gets her. Michelle challenges the friends again and again to go against each other. But she actually longs for a genuine relationship with her father.

The directors Lisa Barros D’Sa and Glenn Leyburn want us to feel for all three of them equally. One learns also, how small sometimes the difference between adults and children is. Michelle’s father sleeps with her best friend, Malachy grows up overprotected, and Luke is badly neglected – none of their parents seem to think about the consequences of their actions. In the end the party is over, but nevertheless: the friendship between Malachy and Luke survives.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Bunte – Szene

Translated by Ivana

The film “Cherrybomb” is a successful and throughout gripping teenage drama about love, drugs, parties and friendship. In it, Rupert Grint proves that he is more than Harry Potter’s best friend. “The role is simply adult”, said the 20-year old after the much-cheered premiere. Also, his co-stars Robert Sheehan and Kimberley Nixon were present there, and all of them have impressively proved that they are masters of their craft despite their young age. After the movie, Rupert Grint got on stage together with his colleagues and subjected himself to the questions of the audience; then he disappeared. And as if touched by a magic hand, all he left behind himself were the fans’ radiating faces. Abrakadabra!

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Aftonbladet

Translated by Neglo

Does drugs in the teen film
BERLIN. First Daniel Radcliffe was naked and had sex on stage in London and New York. Now, his Harry Potter-buddy has sex and does drugs in a teen movie. Redheaded Rupert Grint, 20, has become world famous as Ron Weasley in the Harry Potter films.
But “Cherrybomb” participating in the filmfestival depicts a different kind of hunting magic. It is about some teenagers in Belfast. Rupert Grint plays the talented student who in the sports hall sees the boss have sex with a young girl.
His best friend is a drug dealer.
They are both in love with a young woman returning from London. She likes that the guys are fond of her and reinforces their rivalry. There will be sex and drugs, triangle drama and jealousy. “Cherrybomb” will compete in Section 14 plus, where the Swedish biosuccess “On the ceiling the stars are lit” also will.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

GP

Translated by Neglo

Harry Potters friend has sex on film
In “Cherrybomb”, we’ll see Harry Potters friend Ron like we have never seen him before. Here Rupert Grint drinks, does drugs and has his film careers first sex scene.
- I was pretty nervous about the sex scene, but after the first shots it felt okay, he says.
“Cherrybomb” is a youth drama, which takes place in Belfast – a triangle of history, in which Rupert Grint is one of the boys and Kimberley Nixon, known from the TV series “Cranford”, is the girl. It is a film were Rupert Grint’s character is taking cocaine, drinking alcohol and having sex with the girl that Kimberley Nixon plays.
- This is as far from Ron and the Harry Potter films as it can be. That had a big part in why I said yes to this one. It’s a more adult role than anything I have done before, and it was interesting to have the opportunity to do it.
- Sure, for some it might ruin my image of Harry Potter, but I’m 20 years old now. I have to do more adult roles, says Rupert Grint.

Very nervous
Both Rupert Grint and Kimberley Nixon looks a bit embarrassed when they talk about their sex scene.
- I was very nervous before. But it fits the movie. And it’s cute. Here she must turn off her cool facade. It is a little clumsy and embarrassing, she can’t take off her bra herself, he must help her, says Kimberley Nixon.
- Before we did the scene I spoke to my parents and my boyfriend. Everyone was cool with it.

Kiss Hermione
For Rupert Grint waits the 14 months (!) long recording of the two films made from “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows “. In it he will do a scene he is very nervous about – he has to kiss Hermione, played by Emma Watson. But sure the sex scene in “Cherrybomb” must have helped him to feel less nervous?
He laughs.
- Not at all. I have known Emma for ten years. We have grown up together in the Harry Potter-recording. So it will feel very strange.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Stern.de

Translated by Ivana

Anti Harry Potter

For almost ten years Rupert Grint has played Harry Potter’s best friend Ron Weasley. But he can do something completely different too. Stern.de met the red haired actor for an open discussion.

Rupert Grint has a problem. For almost ten years the world has known him as the loyal, occasionally somewhat awkward, but above all harmless Ron Weasley. Ron is the red haired friend of the fellow magic disciple Harry Potter, whom Rupert has portrayed since 2001. The fact that the cute baby face has in the meanwhile turned into a young man has turned out difficult for many fans to accept. In cases like this, the only remedy is a shock therapy.

For this purpose the 20-year old Grint turns to a film like “Cherrybomb”. A cynical-bitter-bad youth drama, which takes place in Belfast and shows two friends who self lacerate, while attempting to grab the same woman. Yes, to grab, because in “Cherrybomb” more time is spent smoking weed, stealing, flogging, and there’s less time for sentimental stuff. Love is not a part of the plan. At least not at the beginning.

This is going to cause “Harry Potter” fans who blush at the sight of kisses, to maybe even cringe, but above all “Cherrybomb”, which celebrated its world premiere at the Berlinale, demonstrates that Grint is a talented actor. Alfonso Cuarón, the director of “Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Askaban”, had already stated three years ago that he considers Grint as the most promising actor among the Potter stars.

Grint himself usually ignores such predicatements. He looks a little embarrassed, while sitting on the sofa, and he does not know who the crying head on his T-shirt actually is.

(the rest of the article contains pretty much the same interview as Hollywood Reporter, MSN and ABC)

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Side2

Translated by Neglo

It is two weeks until the seventh Harry Potter-recording starts. It locks Rupert Grint in for 14 months. He will be almost 22 years after the recording is finished. It is perhaps also why he chose a completely different role in the teen movie “Cherrybomb”.

Women and drugs
It is about the Northernirishman Malachy (Grint) who, along with his best friend Luke (Robert Sheehan) uses the free time to women and taking drugs.
While Malachy comes from a well-functioning family, and him being a law-abiding guy, Luke struggles with his alcoholic father and drug dealer for a brother. But it becomes very explosive when “the Cherryomb”, played by Kimberly Nixon from “Cranford”, comes between the boys with her sensual game.

Not a Radcliffe
It has been very focused on Grint making his first sex scene with Nixon in the movie.
- I kissed my co-star in “Driving Lessons”, but it was softer, he smiles. But he claims that he didn’t have to take off all his clothes like his co-star Harry Potter-Daniel Radcliffe is doing on stage.
- I could never do it. Just to be on the stage would be terrifying for me. I have seen him in the theater and think he is very brave, says Grint.

“Cherrybomb” is a film that moralizes over sex and drugs, which flows between teenagers. But has a very strong warning that the things you do has consequences. The film was received by ecstatic teenage girls in the Generation program here.

Ecstatic reception
The same it is for Grint who become embarrassed nicely when he is confronted with the German teenage girls threwing themselves over him before the show.
- It is nice that they are eagerly waiting for the film, he jokes. But his partner Kimberly shows no mercy, and says that the girls were definitely crazy about meeting him.
- The premiere is still a strange experience for me, says Grint. He admits that he is recognized easily. It’s probably the hair they catch me on, he says, but the interest in him outside of Harry Potter came as a surprise.
Our journalist Vibeke Johnsen follows the film festival in Berlin.

Boring with Potter
Even if you can find both his darker sides in Malachy and with a Northern Irish accent it’s easy to forget that he actually is Ron Weasley.
- It will be sad to finish Harry Potter. I’ve done it half of my life. At the same time, I look forward to have a little more freedom to do other things, says the 20-year-old.