Harry Brown is a gritty, realistic look at the way things have become in a small British town. Michael Caine plays the title character, Harry Brown. Brown is a man that does not have much in his life. His wife is in the hospital and not doing well, and his best friend Leonard (David Bradley) is afraid of everything that is happening around him. Now, Harry and Leonard’s favorite pub has drug dealers and other seedy characters lurking in the stalls. While Harry shrugs it off as a sign of the times, Leonard can’t let the decay of his world rest – he is being harassed at every turn.
In the midst of his friend’s angst, Harry’s life is turning upside down as his wife passes on. Leonard too is driven with a dark urge to protect himself from the looming thugs and brandishes a large bayonet which he plans on using. Harry, dealing with his own roller-coaster of emotions, tells Leonard to think about what he’s doing. Leonard is finally forced to action.
Brown now has more loss to bear, when he is met by police D.I. Alice Frampton (Emily Mortimer) she has some grim news. Harry has now lost his wife and his best friend, and we can see the emotion and the toll of this passage on his face. While D.I. Frampton is interviewing Harry, we catch a glimpse of his past – the Royal Marines.
Realizing the police are incapable of dealing with matters, Harry decides to take action. He follows a drug dealer, which he’s seen at the pub before, back to his place. Once inside Harry asks to purchase a gun, and the scene that takes place is one of gruesome violence and graphic drug use. This is the official start of the shit kicking that Harry Brown decides to lay down!
One by one, Harry metes out justice, seeking those responsible for his friend’s death – and upon interrogating the first victim, he gains a novel piece of evidence – a veritable play by play of Leonard’s demise. Incensed, Harry now knows where these kids hang out and has the evidence needed to offer swift, vigilante justice.
The movie really picks up at this point, and it shows that everyone has a breaking point. I was told this movie was akin to Gran Torino, but I disagree. Harry Brown sets out to look into areas in Britain that have been taken over by gangs and drug dealers and really paints a gruesome picture. Michael Caine does an excellent job, and if you don’t mind some very graphic images, this is a really good film that could open your eyes to the street scene in Britain. The ending will, no doubt, get your attention. If you enjoyed Gran Torino, The Brave One, or Death Sentence, you can handle this graphic violence. I would suggest checking out this film!
