Review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) by Jason J — 20 May 2011
Paddy Considine plays a young ex-soldier who returns to his small hometown as the Angel Of Death to exact revenge upon the local thugs who treated his younger, mentally disabled brother so badly. The movie is a straight forward revenge story but done with style.
The entire cast deliver wonderful, believable performances, grounded firmly in reality. Considine, playing the vengeful returned soldier, is alternately pitiful and terrifying, with veins of pitch black humour running throughout.
Toby Kebbell, as his little brother, delivers what is simply one of the best portrayals of an mentally disabled character ever filmed. His performance is subtle and utterly convincing. I like director Shane Meadows' excellent eye for the unquestionable scenic beauty of the countryside surrounding Matlock, Derbyshire.
His sweeping shots of fields and woodland to an overwhelming soundtrack is fantastic. Low budget, gritty and upfront, Dead Man Shoes ought to be hailed as a benchmark movie in British cinema, seriously, it is top notch stuff.
This review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) was written by Jason J on 20 May 2011.
Dead Man's Shoes has generally received positive reviews.
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