More like flashback. I don't see the need for it to be plural. There's only one and boy does it go on a bit.
Split into three sections, the film tells (non-chronologically) the tale of Joe's (Daniel Craig) life from prepubescent life to adulthood. The first part and easily the most enjoyable takes place in his adult life in LA. He's spiraling out of control, losing the plot as well as the roles needed to continue his high-class life style. So far so very very good.
The second part is told in one BIG flashback set in South England as a child. The main crux of the film, here we see childhood relationships develop between best friend Boots and girlfriend Ruth. If it doesn't grab you here then the rest of the film is going to be long. And it should grab you; the film looks and feels great. Director Baillie Walsh's 80's Britain is awash with nostalgic iconography. The soundtrack is fantastic, not to mention one of the greatest cinematic scenes of 00's cinema so far; the duet between child prodigy's Harry Eden and Felicity Jones covering Bryan Ferry's If There is Something, it's a truly magical scene.
The third part shows the protagonist's return as an adult to South England for Boots' funeral. Of course the location between these two final acts doesn't change, only the period. Shame that, it's one of the contributing factors to the stale ongoing sprawl that makes this film feel just a little too long. Same old argument but hey, if you feel it you gotta say it.
One positive thing that can be said though is its unpredictability; there are no clues as to where this film is going. One scene in particular involving a washed up live WW2 bomb. Nuff said.
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