Harry Brown: Revenge in Cinema and in Life contest!

It’s not a good day to be a bad guy. But it’s a great day to be a fan of revenge films.

Dirty Harry. Death Wish. Walking Tall. These films rallied the spirit of an average guy who just had enough of the scum that violated life in their cities and communities. Director Daniel Barber understands this notion in cinema, as the revenge film, or vigilante film has long been a fan favorite, with his new gritty revenge drama, Harry Brown. One notion that has sent people into positive buzz about the film, since it debuted at the 2009 Toronto International Film Festival is that the story of Harry Brown is 100% true. “Harry Brown simply shows issues people around the country face on a daily basis,” says Barber about the film and the title hero, “the walk home past the drug dealers, the kids harassed by gangs in the playground, living in flats and buildings not fit for purpose. These events are not exaggerated – the police advisers on the film had far more shocking stories to tell.”

The film stars that old wily acting vet, Michael Caine, who is no stranger to films of this nature. Get Carter (1971) was certainly a key film in his career, as well as an under appreciated English film dealing with these same themes. He has also been apart of a franchise that its title hero as devoted his life to fighting injustice and crime, in Batman Begins and The Dark Knight. If one thinks of his Alfred as a meek, timid butler to the knight, then one has forgotten his key speech about the criminal mentality, a speech that could be echoed in his character of Harry Brown:

“A long time ago, I was in Burma, my friends and I were working for the local government. They were trying to buy the loyalty of tribal leaders by bribing them with precious stones. But their caravans were being raided in a forest north of Rangoon by a bandit. So we went looking for the stones. But in six months, we never found anyone who traded with him. One day I saw a child playing with a ruby the size of a tangerine. The bandit had been throwing them away,” he says to Bruce.

Bruce curiously replied, “Then why steal them?”

“Because he thought it was good sport. Because some men aren’t looking for anything logical, like money. They can’t be bought, bullied, reasoned or negotiated with. Some men just want to watch the world burn.”

That world-weary advice will do Michael Caine good as he battles thugs and drug dealers in Harry Brown. Daniel Barber concludes, “Harry Brown doesn’t brush his problems under the carpet, and neither should society.” For us, the revenge genre is alive and well, and in good hands. Movie goers should check their local theaters this weekend, as the film opens in limited release. Visit the film’s official site here to learn more.

Samuel Goldwyn Films’ upcoming theatrical thriller, HARRY BROWN, starring Michael Caine and Emily Mortimer is being released on April 30th, and we have a poster – signed by Michael Caine – to giveaway to our faithful readers. Just email our editor Donny at donny@killerfilm.com and tell him why he should send you the beautiful poster below, signed by a living legend.

Jon Peters

I love film. That is all.

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