I'm only writing this review to do justice to the film. It deserves at least a 6.5-7, not a 5. A 5 would be if this was poorly directed or acted, both of which it was not. It was very neatly done and produced well, along with a sobering plot line.
This movie was an interesting combination of a traditional bleak British drama in and a diasporic religious theme, a unique combination.
Last time I saw Stephen Graham was in Snatch, which was also a good performance as a supporting actor. Stephen Graham in this movie as the lead role really did a solid job, and provided that heart felt guy- cry feel I felt the movie was trying to portray.
The other actors performed well and were very convincing. It almost reminded me of a British version of Out of the Furnace, with the theme of having to box your way out of poverty.
I really felt Graham's conviction throughout the movie, taking care of his wife, working as a butcher, on a mission to find his children, and dealing with the Rabbis.
I wouldn't even call the movie slow paced because a film like this should never go at a faster pace, it's meant to be experienced slowly to provide that bleak dismal feeling.
Michael Smiley was so evil in this, I really enjoyed how vicious he was. Also a solid performance.
If they wanted to score even higher, they could have added a few more subplots to make it even more convoluted and dynamic, or perhaps given a tad bit more info on where the children went.
Other than that, good job to the team who produced this. It was enjoyable to watch, a tidily produced portrait of Jews in Britain and the criminal underworld, and is worth a second watch for sure.
This movie was an interesting combination of a traditional bleak British drama in and a diasporic religious theme, a unique combination.
Last time I saw Stephen Graham was in Snatch, which was also a good performance as a supporting actor. Stephen Graham in this movie as the lead role really did a solid job, and provided that heart felt guy- cry feel I felt the movie was trying to portray.
The other actors performed well and were very convincing. It almost reminded me of a British version of Out of the Furnace, with the theme of having to box your way out of poverty.
I really felt Graham's conviction throughout the movie, taking care of his wife, working as a butcher, on a mission to find his children, and dealing with the Rabbis.
I wouldn't even call the movie slow paced because a film like this should never go at a faster pace, it's meant to be experienced slowly to provide that bleak dismal feeling.
Michael Smiley was so evil in this, I really enjoyed how vicious he was. Also a solid performance.
If they wanted to score even higher, they could have added a few more subplots to make it even more convoluted and dynamic, or perhaps given a tad bit more info on where the children went.
Other than that, good job to the team who produced this. It was enjoyable to watch, a tidily produced portrait of Jews in Britain and the criminal underworld, and is worth a second watch for sure.