Go Now! Jetzt erst recht

Multiple sclerosis (MS), like AIDS, strikes people in the prime of their lives. MS plays a central role in Go Now, but the film is not a chronicle of the disease's progress. Go Now is about two young working-class Scots who have just fallen in love. They're 'just folks'; starting out, enjoying life. Sadly, it won't be so pedestrian as Nick, played by Robert Carlyle begins to display disquieting physical symptoms. Slowly, as his health deteriorates, the reality of his situation is revealed. It is a great test for the young lovers, and this is really what the movie is about; love. The actors and director have made a very moving film that I can highly recommend.

"Go Now" is the story of Nick Cameron's (Robert Carlyle) struggle to cope with the debilitating affects of Multiple Sclerosis (MS). A very active person (amateur soccer player) who makes his living with his hands (architectural restorations (?- it wasn't *exactly* clear to me what they do)), it is a very difficult adjustment for him as he can do less and less and must depend upon others to do *for* him.

I am moved to submit a review because of the personal experience of my first wife who died from MS. Robert Carlyle's performance as someone with MS is so absolutely on the mark as to be frightening. Early symptoms, attempts to diagnose, the loss of function, the struggle with physical therapy, the anger and frustration of not being able to do the simple things that you once did without conscious thought but which now require concentration and tremendous effort. Another aspect that they covered well is the handicapped person's anger towards pity (or more often in his case, *perceived* pity). His was an absolutely standout performance.

They also handled fairly well the dilemma of the caregiver (Juliet Aubrey as Karen). Physically, they can go at any time. Emotionally, they MUST stay because they love the MS victim. In the movie, the fact that they weren't married made it an easier possibility for her to leave. Like the rich person who wonders if they are loved for their money or themselves, Robert Carlyle found it very hard to accept that she loved him for himself, and did not want to stay out of pity or a sense of obligation.

My only complaint about this movie is that the thick accents made it very difficult to understand too much of the dialogue.

Also, as another reviewer noted, a strong plus was the "real people" feeling about the rest of the cast. The movie felt as though a movie camera had captured real life, not people acting in a movie.

A stellar performance by Robert Carlyle. I have only seen him in "The Full Monty", but I will now try to find his other movies. I am now a big fan of Robert Carlyle. I like this guy a LOT.

Robert Carlyle delivers a stunning performance in this film. Starting off as a rough-and-tumble guy, he really shows range as his character opens up emotionally with the development of a romantic relationship, and then begins a struggle with MS. Confusion, doubt, anger, pain, determination, fear...you name it: he pegs it.

Though the plot could've used a bit more work and the other actors aren't as strong as Carlyle, Go Now is still worth a viewing just for his performance alone. It leaves you with the impression that the film really was made just to be a showcase for his work. Occasional comic relief from his buddies provided a witty twist, and the soundtrack was top-notch.

Although many people may have seen this movie to see Robert Carlyle- understandably so, as he is a very fine actor- I saw this movie because I have Multiple Sclerosis and I wanted to see the manner in which the subject was depicted. I can honestly say this film was very true to life, particularly in the way it portrays the kind of emotional and physical pain having such a condition can cause. Since the kind of MS that Carlyle's character has is Chronic Progressive MS- the most serious form- it is very painful and sad to watch, but necessary to see for anyone who wants to understand the effect a disease such as MS has on a person, as well as their loved ones. I was downright relieved by the accuracy of the description of the symptoms, since MS has been the subject of some very ignorant TV shows and films. The major downside to the film is the overall weakness of the other actors, particularly when compared to Carlyle's stellar performance. Juliet Aubrey is particularly weak and unconvincing in the key role of the girlfriend. But this should not deter one from seeing it. Anyone who has MS or knows someone who has MS or any other kind of debilitating condition should see this film. You might learn something from it. As an added the plus, the soundtrack, which consists entirely of classic American R&B and Soul (most of which don't get heard too often) is wonderful.

I've been really impressed with Robert Carlyle's work ever since I saw him in "Priest," and I've been working my way through all his films -- but I had the hardest time finding this one! I finally bought the video, sight unseen, just to see it!

I'm so glad that I did. It's a joy finally to see Robert Carlyle have the opportunity to do a complete person, from laughter to tears, with terrible physical failings and equally terrible emotional struggles. He's a wonderful actor, and it's a treat to see him with a relaxed face, easy -- fully human! He seems to have gotten stuck in the villain or psycho category by American casting agents -- a kind of Scots contemporary Peter Lorre.... But in this role he's just lovely!

The film itself is that sort that the Brits do so well, "a little film" -- character study, working class, interesting without trying to be earthshaking. I suspect that the difficulty of understanding the accents (not just Carlyle's "deepest Glaswegian", but the several other regional accents (notably "Tony"'s Irish) has contributed to the film's obscurity in the States, but it's well worth seeking out. In fact, I'm glad I bought it, because I think it bears re-viewing, if for no other reason than that it's likely to take me a few times through before I actually catch all the lines!

Nice use, too, of series of still photos, especially of the football (soccer) "mates" captured in classic "yearbook" style, with funny captions!

Other reviewers have commented on how weak they thought the acting was, other than Carlyle. I disagree. I think the acting is fine, but the script has definitely under-developed the other characters, especially Karin. We see so much of Nick's inner life, but almost none of hers. I suspect these writers may do men quite well (hearty "mates", whether football or druggies!), but not women. Remember the women in "Trainspotting"?

In any case, well worth the viewing, especially for Robert Carlyle's lovely performance.