‘Fish Tank’ a brutal look at working-class life in England

“Fish Tank,” from British filmmaker Andrea Arnold, attempts to paint a picture of working-class England with no embellishments or romanticism. The film succeeds and is one of the most brutal I have ever seen.

The story follows Mia, played by newcomer Katie Jarvis. Jarvis was discovered by Arnold while she was having a public argument with a boyfriend; she lived in the same kind of housing projects as her character. Mia has been kicked out of school for conduct problems and has no qualms about breaking a girl’s nose just to show off her toughness.

When her loveless mother comes home with a new boyfriend, Mia finds herself with conflicted feelings. Connor, played expertly by Michael Fassbender, may share some of these feelings. His performance is a masterpiece of subtlety.

What makes “Fish Tank” so fascinating and difficult is Mia’s complete lack of introspection. To get revenge against Connor, Mia does something absolutely horrible with no self-awareness.

Nothing about “Fish Tank” is easy, but that is the only way this film can exist.