This film is absolutely brilliant. If you hate hoodies and do-naff wigga chavs, then you’ll love Harry Brown. Michael Caine plays Harry, an elderly, law-abiding citizen who lives in fear on a run down estate ruled by anarchic youths. Overcome by grief and outraged at how sheltered his life has become, Harry decides to take matters into his own hands, and serve up some old school brutality and justice.

Drawing on his past military experience, Harry Brown goes on a “Falling Down” style rampage through his estate, methodically obliterating all those who have destroyed his life in a search for justice that will have you cheering from your seats with justifiable bloodlust and vindication.

This is a gritty, brutal and chilling thriller that will engross you from start to finish. The characters are realistically world weary and flawed, and the entire cast deliver an outstanding all round performance. Caine portrays an elderly mans vulnerability and shame at his own fear with such adept clarity and humility that by the end of the film you cant help but think, and in some ways, hope, this was a true story.

The opening sequence of this film is truly harrowing, mainly because it is so realistic you cant help wonder if you were watching actual documentary footage of a murder. The understated delivery of violence in this film adds to its shock factor and realism, there are no slick, choreographed fight scenes or cliché, near miss gun fights, the action is gritty, cumbersome, pointless and deadly.

Highlighting the increase in gun and knife crime, as well as complete indifference or distain for the police and justice system in the UK today, Harry Brown is a thought provoking insight into how violence is just another form of entertainment, drugs are rife and life is no longer sacred.

Despite its bleak and disturbing content, I enjoyed every minute of this film, particularly the riot scene, and would thoroughly recommend it. It is a totally gripping dystopian study of modern society that will not permit you to look away and avoid the ugly truth, and I can see it being studied in film and sociology classes for years to come.