Harry Brown

Harry Brown review for Live

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

Based on the justice system here in the UK, Harry Brown, a crime/action British film clearly portrays how the levels of crime and drug abuse in present society is increasing rapidly, with more gangs getting away with crimes than before. Set in Elephant and Castle starring Michael Caine as Harry Brown, with two upcoming actors Ben Drew and Jack'O Connell. Harry Brown an elderly man living on the same estate all his life, witnessing the changes that have occurred throughout his time. From events taken place in the war to the trouble of gangs in his area, relating to the changes in society a convocation involving Harry Brown asserts : ''It’s not Northern Ireland Harry'' Harry: ''No its not. Those people were fighting for something; a cause. To them out there, this is just entertainment.''

As well as an ex soldier, Michael Caine also came from a poor family, with a hard background, growing up himself in Elephant and Castle, using his own life experience to interpret today’s society within the film.

The very first scene being a boy shooting a woman whilst riding past her struck me the most. It relates to what happens in today’s streets, a recent example being in Hackney, young Agnes Sina-Inakojo just 16 years, was shot in the neck by a passer by on a bike. Shocking scenes are used throughout the film, are an eye opener for viewers to portray how serious crime is getting.

 When Harry Browns lifelong friend is murdered due to attempting to stop the local gang harassing him, the police argue they cannot create justice due to lack of evidence, however clearly aware of the trouble the gang create on a day to day basis, a problem commencing in todays society. Harry Brown sets up to gain justice himself, his way. On his journey doing so he comes across many areas that commence in reality, from drug dealers to coming face to face with gang members, also gaining a background insight of why they are taking part in crimes out on the streets.

Harry Brown played by Michael Caine.

The main gang leader played by Ben Drew, others may know him as the artist in Plan B, plays a teenage boy called Noel. He comes across as a typical drug dealer who congers up more ideas to cause trouble in the neighbourhood, he too is fully aware police cannot arrest him because of the evidence lacked. Again this is another problem raised in the UK as many youths think they can get away with crime, causing the crime rates to increase. Many people are scared to speak up of ASBO behaviour, being frightened of the outcomes, this relating to his character since everybody knew he was trouble but in the end gave up on getting justice.

 However looking into Noel's background shows an insight of why he is involved in crime. His father being in prison for being a gang leader, with his mother an alcoholic shows he has no role model to look up to, often mentioning his father shows Noel tends to look up to him although he is a convicted criminal; showing he knows no different. Realistically Noel has been lead astray with nobody advising him the rights from wrongs, causing him to go off the rails into the streets. Which could be a reason why some gangs are formed today? If some teenagers who are involved in gangs had more to be inspired too would create a motive to achieve in life before it is too late, decreasing the chances of them drifting towards gangs and violence. Particulary increasing my interest in the film was that real gang members from an estate in Elephant and Castle were the location was set were used to contribute to the film. This added a sence of realism creating it to become an excellent Brittish film.

Ben Drew playing the lead gang member 'Noel'

Through watching Harry Brown, it has not only made me realize a great deal the effects and outcomes of when justice has not been done, but also why some teenagers are lead to gang crime. The film sends a message that more needs to be done in order to create a better society for the future, this involving the education of youths today and giving them more to inspire to, avoiding them being in the streets. Also sending a message that justice can be done in the world today.