Little Boy Blue (2017)

Little Boy Blue – a miniseries in four parts – is a drama set in the UK in the 21st century. The drama, which is based on a true story, focuses on the case of Rhys Jones, an 11-year old boy, who was accidentally shot and killed in Croxteth, Liverpool, in August 2007.

How and why did this happen? Here is the answer: a member of a local gang tried to shoot two members of a rival gang who were “trespassing.” While the shooter failed his targets, he hit Rhys Jones, who was walking home from football practice.

Here is some basic information about this drama which premiered on British television (ITV) in 2017:

** Writer: Jeff Pope

** Director: Paul Whittington

** Available on DVD and via Amazon Prime Video

** Run time: 4 x ca 45 minutes = ca 180 minutes

The cast includes the following:

** Brian F. O’Byrne as Steve Jones – the father

** Sinead Keenan as Melanie “Mel” Jones – the mother

** Matthew Roberts as Owen Jones – the older son

** Sonny Beyga as Rhys Jones – the younger son

** Stephen Graham as Dave Kelly – Acting Detective Super Intendant

** Sara Powell as Patricia “Pat” Gallan – Assistant Chief Constable

While this drama is based on a true story, it is not a documentary film. It is a dramatized version of events. Not everything happened exactly as shown here. But the basic story is true.

An on-screen message explains that some details have been altered and invented. In addition, some names have been changed. This was done for dramatic purposes and in order to protect the identity of people who testified in the court case.

Since this drama is based on a true story, the basic facts are part of the public record. They are not a secret. Therefore it is not necessary for me to mention all of them here. I am, however, going to make two remarks:

# 1. I will explain the title. Rhys Jones and his family were fans of a local football club: Everton. The colour connected with this club is blue. This is why Rhys Jones is described as Little Boy Blue.

# 2. I will also mention that the members of the Jones family were consulted while the drama was in production. The members of the family have stated that they are pleased with the final result.

This is a tragic case, but also an important case which deserves to be told. And as far as I can see, the television drama manages to show proper respect for the victim and for his family.

What do reviewers say about this drama? On IMDb it has a rating of 79 per cent, which corresponds to almost four stars on Amazon.

On Amazon UK there are at the moment more than 50 reviews of this product. The average rating is 4.8 stars.

I understand the numerous positive reviews. I agree with them. I want to go all the way to the top with this product. I think it deserves a rating of five stars.

Since this is a tragic story, I cannot say you will enjoy it, but I do think you can appreciate it.

PS. The following article is available online: Sam Wollaston, “Little Boy Blue review,” The Guardian, 25 April 2017.

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