Steel 'n' Skin
Steel 'n' Skin

Movie spotlight

Steel 'n' Skin

1979
Movie
36 min
English

Peter Blackman, founder of Steel 'n' Skin, talks about this pan-African group, which takes African culture to British schools. The film follows the group during a ten day workshop in Liverpool.

Insights

IMDb6.0/10
Director: Jim McBrideGenres: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young drifter, D.J. (James Woods), struggles to survive in the harsh landscape of Texas. After a violent encounter, he finds himself entangled with a troubled woman named Brenda (Kay Lenz) and her abusive husband. D.J. must navigate a treacherous path of survival, crime, and desperation in a gritty, unforgiving environment.

Critical Reception

Steel 'n' Skin, also known as "The Undertow", received a mixed to positive reception, noted for its raw portrayal of desperation and strong performances, particularly from James Woods. While some critics found its bleakness overwhelming, others praised its unflinching look at the darker side of human nature and its atmospheric tension.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for James Woods' intense and unsettling performance.

  • Criticized by some for its graphic violence and bleak subject matter.

  • Applauded for its gritty realism and atmospheric depiction of a desperate life.

Google audience: Information regarding Google user reviews for Steel 'n' Skin is not readily available.

Fun Fact

The film was also released under the title 'The Undertow', adding to its less mainstream recognition.

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