It’s so refreshing to see a veteran star embrace their age.

Michael Caine is admirable in the role of ex-serviceman Harry Brown, a senior citizen living in The Estate: a haven for thugs and drugs. After his wife passes away, and close friend Leonard Attwell is murdered, Harry takes matters into his own hands when he realises the police, including D.I. Alice Frampton (Emily Mortimer) and D.S. Terry Hicock (Charlie Creed-Miles), are unable to help…

Harry Brown is perceived to be a ‘vigilante pensioner’, however there is more to the character. Perhaps the catalyst for Harry’s actions is the death of his friend, but it is clear that he is acting in the best interests of the community living in The Estate.

Frampton: It’s not Northern Ireland Harry.
Harry Brown: No it’s not. Those people were fighting for something; for a cause. To them out there, this is just entertainment.

Fresh director Daniel Barber (The Tonto Woman) paints a realistic picture of The Estate, gritty and unsafe. Hand-held cameras are used to great effect at the start of the film, where instability and unpredictability are quickly established as the norm. Combined with a well-written screenplay by Gary Young, this film engages throughout.

Caine is supported by a great UK cast, including a meek Emily Mortimer, a paranoid David Bradley and an aggressive Ben Drew.

You’ll never underestimate an old man again…

Kryztoff Rating: 4K

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