Gary Oldman directs Ray Winstone, both Alan Clarke alumni, in an expectedly rough, gritty film, violent, naturalistic in tone, shot with a hand cam. Its strength lies in the naturalism and the across-the-board formidabe acting, particularly Winstone who is just superb in thuggish roles. The plot is a bit tacky at points, like in the soulful scene where Ray tells of his unloving father, supposedly explaining his brutish behavior. The film wants us to, but we never feel that sorry for Ray.

#99#, story

Great performance by Ray Winstone.

By the end it sure did jump some time quick. And what's up with that ending

Powerful performances by Winstone and Burke. Really good job by Oldman.

Winstone is terrifyingly terrific as Ray, a character who tries so hard to make those around him sympathise with him (the audience included). It doesn't entirely work, but it's not exactly supposed to; all there is in this dire world of love spilling into hate so easily is a little glimmer of hope for all.

Powerful and grim stidy of one family and the anger and vulnerability that is bubbling under the surface of all of them. Fantastic performances from all involved.

Could it be that Gary Oldman is as gifted a director as he is an actor? Not quite. But close.

I didn't think the film was particularly interesting, riveting, or shocking, but the performances are a fine example of perfection. Props to the casting and acting. Although, I've seen bad directors make a mess of good actors, so perhaps Gary Oldman had the adverse effect, greatly to the viewer's delight.

Fantastic film which is frighteningly realistic.Amazing parts played by all in particular Ray Winston absolutely awesome.

Grueling movie. Very well made and emotionally powerful, but I wouldn't watch it again.

Harrowing portrayal, but it's still just another condescending depiction of ‘working class' life by ‘middle class' people.

Hats off to Gary Oldman for making a film about his own working-class roots and largely financing it himself. This still isn't that great. The accents are often so thick that this American could have used subtitles

It isn't exactly a brilliant story or anything - in fact, it's pretty run of the mill. The acting is what makes it special and I'm sure if it weren't for Oldman's insight the emotional weight of Winstone, Burke's and everyone else's performances wouldn't have been as powerful.