Genre: Thriller/Crime

Director: Nick Love

Certificate: Outlaw was rated 18 by the Irish Film Censor's Office (www.ifco.ie) i.e. suitable for those of 18 years of age or upwards.

Violence = strong. Drugs = mild. Sex/Nudity = mild. Language = strong.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE: Outlaw

Didn't know what to expect from this Nick Love offering other that I had the idea it may be a tad controversial and it's certainly that.  Set in modern day London it tells the stories of a group of men from vastly different backgrounds who after feeling let down by both the government and the police force are brought together through a variety of tragedies and injustices that have taken place in their lives.

As a result they form a vigilante group led by disaffected ex-soldier Bryant (Sean Bean) who encourages them to take their revenge on those who have inflicted personal misery on them, and in doing so attempts to right the greater wrongs of society in general.  Aided and abetted with some inside information from a sympathetic Police officer (played by Bob Hoskins), who is fed up of seeing criminals getting away with crime, and who also has an axe to grind with the force as after years of loyal service he's been reduced to being nothing more than a glorified errand boy.

There is some bone crunching violence and strong language which all makes for some uncomfortable, but it has to be said compelling viewing at times, it's not a film for the faint-hearted that's for sure and people are either going to love it or hate it - there is no in between.  It throws up all sorts of moral and legal dilemmas and certainly makes you think about the bigger picture.  Some strong performances from the all British cast, and if I was forced to pick a favourite I'd have to say Danny Dyer (who plays Gene Dekker) an average decent guy who after being the subject of some unprovoked street violence, and work related bullying begins to realise there are other ways of dealing with these issues.  Some of these men have never experienced real violence and when they have to confront it head on, it forces them to make some pressurised and life changing decisions.

However, it's not without its flaws - Sean Bean's character development is virtually nil, which as the supposed leader of this gang rather spoils things somewhat, and there is no portrayal of any real bonding between the group.  There are  also some shaky camera angles which in an attempt to be Arty end up looking amateurish, and some of the scenes are chaotic and not particularly well done, it's not a must see at the cinema type of film - that said, it's certainly worth a peep on DVD.  In a word - fascinating.

Reviewed by Mary Kate, Premier Movie Reviews 2007.

RELATED MOVIE REVIEWS:

LENNIE JAMES: Sahara.

BOB HOSKINS: Hollywoodland,  Maid In Manhattan.

Sean Bean

Danny Dyer

Rupert Friend

Lennie James

Sean Harris

Bob Hoskins

WORTH A WATCH