I hate it when I go back and watch a movie from a little while ago (let’s say, in this case, 1 or 2 years) after I’ve raved about what the best films are from that time. Mainly because they could either suck and further prove that I am right, which I dislike seeing sometimes in film, or because I missed out on a masterpiece. Harry Brown is an example of the later.
In Harry Brown, rookie director Daniel Barber provides an amazing and graphic tale of vigilante justice when Harry Brown (Michael Caine, in a Oscar-worthy performance) is forced by the surrounding youth and its violence to society to pick up a gun, which he once put down after coming back from the marines, and protect not himself, but his memory of those he loved.
Best Aspects: The film’s writing, shots and acting were all fantastic, and the plot is something that is hard not to love. The movie even has a legitimate twist near the end that is sure to surprise.
Bottom Line: A+. Possibly the second or third best film of 2009, though it was technically released in America in 2010. In that case, though, it is probably somewhere in the 3-5 best films of 2010. The movie rouses every emotion, and evokes much interest, especially after the first, very shocking, scene. Great film.
Goood review man, I agree with you on this one. I think the biggest strength in the movie is how the film portrays Caine’s character when it comes to combat. The movie never tries to sell you that he is this lightning fast or this amazing fighter. The film keeps Caine’s character within realm of reason.
Yeah, I mean, they kept the realism at a pretty steady rate throughout the movie which I appreciated.