Reviews of Harry Brown 2009
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Ahhh.... the Great British feral underclass as shown in this movie at least: A rancid virus polluting the lives of the vulnerable and down trodden, infected by drug use, violence, petty crime, and an ultimate disregard for human life. And that's just the bloody teenagers; usually on their stolen scooters harassing the elderly, the weak, young mums and anyone else seen as an easy target.
What an indictment of our society, benefit squandering scum festering around the lives of the…
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Anyone who knows the career of Sir Michael Caine will be aware for every Italian Job, there has been a Jaws: The Revenge - he's made some terrible career decisions. Over the last decade, however, he's experienced a renaissance of wise supporting parts but in Harry Brown, he takes centre stage in what could well be one of the last truly defining roles of his long career. For this is a film that doesn't just play on Caine's iconic tough…
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The premise to this film is as simple as they get. Michael Caine's ex-marine Harry Brown lives in a slum somewhere in London. He's a widower with just one mate, played by David Bradley, who he plays chess with in a local bar, place that is one of the key locations in the story. After Harry's friend is killed, Harry goes on revenge on the thugs of the neighborhood who are the prime suspects. On the case are also police…
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In 'Gran Torino,' Clint Eastwood takes out his grumpy-old-man rage on the pesky ethnic minorities on his lawn...sorry, I mean, in 'Harry Brown' Michael Caine (no complaints) takes out his grumpy-old-man rage on the much-demonised "chavs" loitering on his council estate (he doesn't even have a lawn - it's a pretty dire situation).
This film relies on two things; the vilification of working-class British youths, and a strong performance by an acting veteran of great stature. Whilst I could do without the cultural stereotypes, it's a good yarn, and a great excuse to do Michael Caine impressions when the dialogue stops.
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