An ancient Roman Road, the A5, running from Hollyhead in Wales to London disects the suburbs of Cricklewood, Kilburn, Maida Vale and Marylebone before ending at Marble Arch in central London. These suburbs are the canvass for Marc Isaccs’ moving documentary film where a myriad of multicultural characters share personal stories of life, love, loss and death along the Edgware Road.
Keelta, a young Irish woman leaves home to make her way in the world. Peggy, a 95-year-old feisty Jewish refugee living alone opens up her heart. Brigitte, a former air hostess from Germany shares her home with her estranged husband. Billy, a retired Irish labourer, tells how he lost his way in life. Along the road a young man from Burma cooks for Buddist monks. Iqbal a hotel concierge awaits the arrival of his wife from Kashmir. Shia Muslims beat their breasts in a nearby mosque whilst Bingo players pass time in a giant hall.
At times cinematic Isaccs handheld camerawork is full of visual metaphor, moving us from one character to another in a seamless way. An honest film with a probing and inquisitive film-maker at its heart.
Barrie Dowdall, Documentary Film-maker
