Rating 18
Length 1h43
Release 11.11.2009 (In the US)
Director Daniel Barber
About Harry Brown, a retired Royal Marine, leads a lonely life with his only friend, Leonard Attwell. His life changes when Leonard is killed, following which Harry decides to seek revenge.
Moon: Full moon as the film enters the final act
Where to Watch: Disney+ and UKTV Play
Trigger Warnings: Gang violence, drug use, rape, debilitating illness
Trailer:
The Good
The cast and the acting is on form. Without Michael Cain and Emily Mortimer, this may not have had the impact it did. There’s an immediate attachment to Harry and what becomes his mission of retribution.
The story, while simple enough, holds enough back to give an impressive and surprising final act. It also doesn’t conform to the usual tropes and arcs; giving the narrative a more grounded and real-world feel.
I certainly got the impression this was green-lit on the back of the successful Taken. Harry Brown is an a-typical archetype similar to Bryan Mills. Making the character older, and a veteran has a developed understanding for most audiences and could put people we know into a new perspective.
The Bad
I felt as if the perspective of the Police Force could have been developed a little bit more. Yes, we get the idea that there’s politics and optics at play but I would have a little more than lip service to truly feel the impact of Frampton’s transfer come the final act.
The Ugly
The violence and drugs make this a tough watch. Don’t get me wrong, they need to be there and it’s that necessity which makes it all the worse. The culture that is grown within the community is one of shocking desensitisation and unfortunately, it is all too real. Not only that, the gang members never take responsibility for their actions and its a bitter pill to swallow.
There’s significant trigger warnings for this film, but I must expand upon the traumatic rape represented in one scene. Not only is the act filmed and being watched on repeat by the gang, the woman is drugged into unconsciousness and from my perspective it could be misconstrued as a snuff film. It is horrific, it will be triggering for survivors and the most chilling of all is that I cannot say with any conviction that it was unnecessary.
Final Thoughts
A powerful, all too truthful, watch. You won’t be viewing it for entertainment purposes, but this film takes everything of the vigilante comic book hero franchises and addresses it in a real world setting with an added layer of commentary about different generations and what they fight for.
The Queens of Geekdom 