Review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) by Danw. — 17 Jun 2006
I'm amazed how many critics appear not to have "got" this film. The premise is fairly straight and simple, but its executed perfectly, with brilliantly believable, well acted characters all round.
I found the gang members' unfamiliarity with death particularly well observed and portrayed - its not like drug dealers are constantly popping caps in heads - they exist in their own little world of their own creation, just like everyone and when that bubble is broken, they'll feel just as vulnerable as anyone else.
The subject of Britishness looms large when considering this film, and is obviously the reason so many got the wrong end of the stick. For me, its the first "British Movie" I've watched in which the director feels no need to draw attention to, or emphasise the fact that its set in England.
Noone hams up their accent in front of the camera for once and the script doesn't go to pointless lengths to include pub references.
This review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) was written by Danw. on 17 Jun 2006.
Dead Man's Shoes has generally received positive reviews.
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