Cast
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Michaela Coel
as Simone
Arinzé Kene
as Raymond
Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo
as Yvonne
George MacKay
as Gil
Joe Dempsie
as Kestrel
Luke Norris
as Barney
Arsher Ali
as Jake
Ashley Thomas
as Wendell
Sophia La Porta
as Willesden
Rakie Ayola
as Martina
Frieda Thiel
as Makeda
Tom Forbes
as Conrad
Jo Martin
as Vivienne
Genevieve Barr
as Artemis
Junade Khan
as Guy
Crew
Director
- Tinge Krishnan
Writer
- Ché Walker
Producer
- Amanda Jenks
- Nadine Marsh-Edwards
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Been So Long examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Tinge Krishnan brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Been So Long took approximately 8 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 100 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 136 minutes long.
- The film contains approximately 2078 individual shots.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 8 months to complete.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2018, when this film is released:
- Climate change awareness was becoming a central global concern.
- Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
While Been So Long shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Free Tibet, which focuses more on action than character development, Been So Long offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Coming Soon and Veronika Decides to Die explore similar territory, Been So Long stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: October 12, 2018
- Runtime: 1h 40m
Where to Watch
