Review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) by Shane K — 23 Nov 2009
Taking the stock loner-on-a-revenge-mission format of so many a schlock 80's action extravaganza & throwing conventions out the window Dead Man's Shoes what is in my opinion the finest British film (or film in general) of the decade.
From the seemingly clichéd notion of the avenging angel stalking his prey (given extra weight by the intensity of Paddy Considine's performance as ex soldier Richard & the seemingly pedestrian antagonists (that are essentially small time housing estate thugs)) to the measured depiction of a mildly mentally handicapped character Anthony (avoiding the usual Hollywood saccharine, thanks to the outstanding performance by Toby Kebbel).
The film captures the overhanging sense of greyness that encapsulates small town/semi rural life. The sense of camaraderie between the "villains" & the tenderness exhibited in the scenes between the brothers is off set by brief flashes of extreme brutality.
The end of the movie contains a heart breaking twist that was genuinely left me in a daze the first time I saw & I won't ruin it for anyone who hasn't had the pleasure of seeing the marvelous film.
This is Shane Meadows' masterpiece.
This review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) was written by Shane K on 23 Nov 2009.
Dead Man's Shoes has generally received positive reviews.
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