I was impressed with Tompkinson in the lead role and think he carried the film almost single- handedly, although I would also give a special mention to the Acting Chief of police character. It was a shame he didn't have more scenes because he and Tompkinson worked well together.I found the script overly clichéd. Also, it felt like it was missing half an hour's worth of introduction -the allusions of histories between the characters was far too esoteric, to the point that I hardly cared and just had to accept that 'something happened'. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but the production had more of the feel of a play rather than a film. If I were to dwell on the nine-foot man's second appearance (those of you who have seen it will know what I'm referring to) then I'd probably knock off another star.

For a movie that at first glance is going to be a vigilante cops just kicking ass, and taking back the streets, it sure has a hard time getting there. I really Enjoyed the way that this movie didn't insist that anyone was really safe as long as the bad people are in control. There are a lot of brave real people fighting a new battle every generation in the streets to keep us all safe all the time. This movie opens with a little bit of a quick update on the situation in the world, and you get caught off guard for the first time right there I'll bet. The acting is nothing short of excellent by even the lowest player throwing stones. The bitter world really feels cold. I would recommend this one, but it is very British, there is no Hollywood ending, and it feels like a really long episode of original Life on Mars, I was really expecting to hear someone saying your nicked at one point even. Lots of violence, the language is really not so bad, but this one is not for kids, unless you need to smarten them brats up.

I don't know who Jessica Lear is, but either she was watching a different film or she has a personal grudge against someone in the crew. A gritty, believable story, well shot, well researched locations, with characters you can really feel for and understand. The authentic 70s feel of the film, right down to the cinematography, is perfect. The dark, brooding undercurrent of the film encapsulates well the desperate and depressing mood the UK, and particularly the north, was suffering in the mid-seventies, without masking the human story behind the main characters. The touches of humour, just took the hard edge off the violence, and strong visual and audible content, to make this a thoroughly enjoyable film, well worth going to see. The storyline and the characters have enough mileage left in them for a sequel or TV series to follow. Good luck to all involved, it is heartening to see a good British film without the mockney mafia involved.

Based around Detective Sergeant Barry Harrigan and his mission for justice amongst the desperation and fear growing in a crime ridden estate in northern England. This film is grim, dark, intense, gritty and violent, set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the 1970's. The cast deliver solid and believable performances, especially Stephen Tomkinson, Bill Fellows and Craig Conway. There is definitely a feel of suspense throughout and the film also has the right amount of relief by humour in places. Many will be leaving the cinema wondering how many of Mr McKenzie's stories within the film are true! I was one of them! Great film. Definitely worth a watch. Especially if you are from Northern England.