Review of Dead Man's Shoes (2004) by Andy O — 07 Feb 2009

Richard (Paddy Considine) and his mentally-challenged little brother Anthony (Toby Kebbell) were close and Richard always protected him. Eventually Richard joined the army while Anthony ended up as the laughing stock and plaything at the local drug dealer Sonny (Gary Stretch) and his gang. Years later Richard returns and revenge is in his mind. Revenge for Anthonys suffering and demise. Richard starts at first with psychological warfare towards Sonny and his gang, but continues with violent executions of them one by one.

"Dead Man's Shoes" has a strong and intense story with great acting from the whole cast. This is great cinematic storytelling from Shane Meadows, that is simple, but yet truly effective. I love how the story is structured and shot. Some scenes are more powerful than others. For example when Richard drugs Sonny and two of his hoodlums and then execute them all in a very violent way. Paddy Considine really gives a strong performance as Richard, he is like a hit in the gut. Topnotch. Just the scene when he has just been shot at, and he holds out his arms to show he do not care about it and his body language says "I am here, come and get me", is great. Big plus for a great soundtrack as well. Gary Stretch is as well very good as the evil to the bone gangster Sonny.

The bond between the two brothers in "Dead Man's Shoes", raises the question of what lenghts you would go to protect or as in this case revenge your own brother or sister. I think we all know the answer.