He's a Big Man, and he's out of shape

Harry Brown (2009)

Harry Brown is not a date movie, also, unless your terribly unlucky, it will probably also make you very grateful for where you live. Described somewhat lazily by the press as “a British Gran Torino,” or “Deathwish for Pensioners,” the strong anchor that stops the film’s worst excesses from spinning it out to sea, is Michael Caine’s performance. Caine can say more with his eyes than most actors can with their entire faces and bodies. Just take a look at the opening scene where he reaches over to touch the pillow where his wife used to sleep, or his telling of the story of watching his mate die, to a drug dealer he’s just shot. The other members of the cast don’t get much time to register- Liam Cunningham is relegated to the background until the end, although suspicions should be triggered as soon as we see him. The gang members are walking achronisms but also, just about this side of horribly realistic. It’s refreshing as well that Harry is not superhuman, watching Gran Torino, we never really had a fear of seeing Clint Eastwood hurt. Harry Brown in contrast, has us constantly in fear for the elderly Caine. It’s to the actor’s credit appearing in something so brutal (this gang could get the drop on Jack Carter before he had a chance to say something cool), that would scare away most established, and respected Knights of the Realm. So, no date movie then, but possibly the most horrific, non-horror film you’ll see all year. 9/10