Leonardo DiCaprio at his best.

My friend recommended Shutter Island to me with the words: “It’s amazing, and plus you’ll love it because it references World War Two constantly”. I’ll admit I do have a little tiny bit of a fascination with war films like Schindler’s List, but let’s all be honest here; you’d be a little bit crazy, not to mention insensitive, not to completely admire it. Now, I’m a big DiCaprio fan, and no it’s not just because of the way he looks (though that hardly decreases my feelings towards him). I find he’s part of a rare breed of actors that can  convincingly pull off a huge variety of characters, my personal favourites probably being What’s eating Gilbert Grape (his performance is outstanding for someone not yet out of their teens) and the very obvious, Titanic.

Although this film is noticeably well over two hours, it is never  predictable. It is dark and mysterious in places and without a shadow of a doubt, it is shocking. I found myself slightly confused the whole way through it, but not so confused i gave up trying to work out what was happening.

This film is an adaption of the 2003 Dennis Lehane novel of the same name, and although I’m slightly intrigued to see if it keeps me as captivated as the film, I think I’ll find it similar to when I attempt to read murder novels; they just don’t have the same shocking, jump out of your seat value.

I like this film in the same way that I liked Harry Brown; if I’d have read the plot i might have been scared off by its male vibes and pulled an unimpressed face if someone had suggested we rented it out at Blockbusters. But actually I really like it and I’m pretty certain (unless you’ve read the book and it doesn’t match up to your high expectations) that you’ll love it too.

Harry Brown, not just one for the boys.

Agreeing to watch Harry Brown with my brothers, I thought I’d probably want to leave about ten minutes in, or I’d take a nap through it, or at the very least i would get horribly confused and bored by all the shooting, stabbing and fighting. I’m the first to admit I’m not usually jumping with excitement at the prospect of a crime thriller, well, unless it’s anything like CSI, which is a whole other kettle of fish.

This film makes an impact. It’s shocking in all the places you least expect and yet concentrates on fundamental current issues. Unlike many similarly themed films, it doesn’t drag on and doesn’t contain as many unnecessary scenes as it does necessary ones. Michael Caine is an absolute hero, both for his acting and the character he plays, and you can’t help but fall in love with him in a sort of proud grandchild type of way. The rest of the acting isn’t bad either, and even includes Cook from Skins (Jack O’connell) doing what he knows best; playing a turbulent and violent teenager.

Without spoiling the story; the film focuses on the ever-growing youth crime culture and is set on a council housing estate in Elephant and Castle, South London. It explores the intimidation and dangers faced by the residents, as the lead character (Caine) attempts to take the law into his own hands, in the hope of curbing crime and bringing justice.

Even the ending is good, with its drastic twists, deaths and clever mixture of fast paced fights and silent moments that make you hold your breath. Then when you finally get to sit back and take it all in, you’re consoled with “End Credits” by Chase & Status. Which, let’s be honest, is an absolute beaut of a song.