Harry Brown - The Brilliance & Brutality

Director Daniel Barter brings a raw and gritty world to the screen with the help of a believable and impressive performance from lead actor Michael Cain.

With a well calculated portrayal of sadness, anger and desperation the audience cannot help but feel sympathetic toward Harry and grasp an understanding of him right from the start. The character of Harry Brown is unravelled after his wife dies and he takes justice into his own hands to avenge his friend and ultimately bring peace to his street. There is an importance about this film that makes seeing it a necessary experience for all.

The film itself is not for the faint hearted as the violence displayed is anything but tame. A shocking look into the dark side of London’s youth culture will leave you cringing in disgust at the attitudes and activities of the hooded & armed characters in the film.

Although violent the film has managed to stay away from the mindless gore that could have ruined it. The only part I think unnecessary is the riot where hundreds of hooded youths run the streets throwing petrol bombs in response to a series of sudden raids by the police. Although a well directed scene, for me it was too much and was not needed for the continuation of the story.

Throughout the film there is one shot in particular that signifies a significant thread of the story. The tunnel opposite Harry’s home is the central set for violence and indicates the control the youths have over the street. Harry enters the tunnel comfortably at the end of the film, not a thug in sight. If the number of trouble makers was so high as to instigate the riot then Harry Brown’s rampage of ‘justified’ shootings would surely have been less effective in gaining him safe passage through the tunnel. . .

Nevertheless the film boasts a strong cast depicting strong and often horrifying characters. The level of nastiness in the film made some people walk out of the cinema but I’m glad I wasn’t one of them. This is definitely a must see film of the year and I think offers a key insight into how ugly life can be.

Here is the trailer.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVOSfHFNlcI