Bullet boy

To which character does the title refer? Explain your answer
I believe Curtis is the bullet boy due to the fact that he is the one who fires a bullet and he in a way is trying to escape that kind of life like a bullet escaping the barrel of a gun hence the name bullet boy.

What are the main messages, values and social issues in the film?
some of the main messages and values are to do with the problems on the streets in that area one message is that Ricky doesn't want to go back to prison we see this when he tries to avoid the problems with guns and violence on the street as he fails it results in his death. A value in it is that Ricky doesn't respect his mother which is shown when he doesn't listen to her or do anything she says which leads to him getting kicked out of his home

How are the people and places represented in the film? Consider:
-Whether the film offers a realistic view of London. How this representation differs from other common representations of London.
-How the characters challenge and fulfil stereotypes.

The rough estate on which Ricky grew up holds some of the common stereotypes of a council estate such as drugs and violence where most people are taking or selling drugs and some people are shooting and murdering people which could explain how Ricky has landed himself in certain situations which would place him back in prison. This film offers a realistic view of the back streets of London of where real people live not for all the on show touristy stuff that most people know and love this film represents the darker side the harsh reality of it that gun violence and drugs are still a major part of some of these communities and they don't have the luxury of their own job or a decent education which would make these people turn to drug dealing and gang warfare.

Many characters both challenge and fulfil stereotypes primarily of black people. Ricky on front reinforces the stereotype of black people being violent and they take drugs however you do see a lot of inner conflict where he wants to get out of that and make a life for himself rather than end up in prison for killing someone on the streets. Beverly (Ricky' mother) tries very hard to challenge the stereotype of single mothers by trying her best to raise her children in such a harsh environment and works hard to put food on the table rather than going onto benefits. She does also challenges the stereotype that single parents are laid back and don't care, we see this with how much she tries to keep Ricky out of trouble.