Today’s quick review: Harry Brown. Harry Brown (Michael Caine), a retired widower, watches from the sidelines as his neighborhood descends into gang violence. But when his only friend is murdered by a group of hoodlums, Harry embarks on a quest of revenge against those responsible. His vigilante activities catch the attention of Detective Inspector Frampton (Emily Mortimer), who belatedly tries to stop the situation from spiraling out of control.
Harry Brown is a crime drama about an aging ex-Marine who cleans up his neighborhood by force. Harry is not a typical action hero. Physically frail and reluctant to fight, he evens the odds using intelligence, cunning, and sheer determination. The dark appeal of the movie comes from seeing Harry punish the criminals who have been terrorizing his neighborhood. Personal stakes and violence with dramatic weight make Harry Brown an effective film.
Still, Harry Brown makes for a dark watch. The gang members in his neighborhood are destructive, murderous, and utterly unrepentant. Harry’s mission of revenge is just as brutal, only more methodical. The movie complements its outright violence with drug use, sexual abuse, and the inability of the police to fix the situation. These oppressive elements are put to good use setting up Harry’s actions, but they may be too much sensitive viewers.
Harry Brown is a cleanly executed revenge story with everything it needs to succeed. Hateful villains, a resourceful protagonist, and a smattering of realistic action make the movie captivating in all the right ways. Harry Brown’s dark tone and modest scope will not appeal to everyone, but fans of the violent side of the crime genre will find that it’s worth a watch. Steer clear if you’re looking for something lighter or more action-packed.
For another drama that pits a grizzled veteran against a dangerous gang, try Gran Torino. For a more action-oriented movie about a retired soldier taking revenge for the loss of a loved one, try The Foreigner. For another tale of vigilante justice, try Death Wish, The Brave One, Rage, or Acts of Vengeance. For a darker, more surreal commentary on British gang violence, try A Clockwork Orange.
[7.2 out of 10 on IMDB](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1289406/). I give it a 7.0 for tense and well-handled drama.