Harry Brown is a crime thriller with plenty of gritty gang violence, enough English thugs to terrify you (and make you feel ashamed if you’re a Londoner), a nomination-worthy performance from “King of Cool” Michael Caine and a gripping plot to make hairs at the back of your neck stand on end.
Michael Caine is Harry Brown – an eldery widower and ex-serviceman who is hell-bent on avenging his best friend who was his only company but was then brutally murdered by a gang of thugs. These gangs run the streets with drugs and guns and aren’t afraid of anyone… until Harry Brown dishes out his own form of blood splattering justice giving the thugs something to fear. Do not mess with Harry Brown.
This British masterpiece, whether it aims to or not, brings into focus the street crime and gang culture of Britain, the sink estates they live in. Their realistic way of life – choice or not, they have to put up with their surroundings and make the most of what is available to them and is portrayed in a rusty, dark lense by Daniel Barber the director.
The film also stars Emily Mortimer, Iain Glen, Ben Drew and Liam Cunningham.
Critics say this is the “Best British Film of the Year”, (ooh, look out Hollywood!) and Caine seems to have served us one of his best performances yet – many reckon nominations are on plate too. I say this film, likened to Gran Torino (2008), will bring shock value to those living in Britain and those outside of Britain, bringing a new perspective to gang violence and some of the morally wrong decisions that life forces us to make.
Do you live in London? Do you think this is an accurate portrayal of gang violence in London?
The Film Buzz Anticipation Rating: 7.5/10
Release Date: 11 November 2009
Director: Daniel Barber
Writer’s: Gary Young (screenplay)
Links: IMDB, Official Site, Rotten Tomatoes
I saw this it gets a 9/10 for sure after you see it, it’s great because not only is it well written well acted and quite thrilling. It shows exactly what the problems in contemporary London are today.
I live in London yes, and I think it is accurate as some places are like this although there was one part of this film i thought was out of proportion the whole ‘riot scene’ seemed unrealistic. I also found this film to be on par with Gran Torino although it was much more grimy and darker and you can feel the tone all the way through the film.