Synopsis
Denzel Washington dons a reasonably credible English accent as Reuben James, who lefthis urban blight of a home to join the military. Six years after the Falklands, he returns home,and finds things in a greater shambles than before, with drugs, theft, and corrupt, racist policeeverywhere. Alienated on all sides, Reuben is pushed closer and closer to the edge. An explosionof violence is inevitable.
It must be said, however, that the violence feels as if its being hel… off for as long as humanlypossible. The film has some pointed commentary about race and class relations in Thatcher’sBritain, and goes about its work with a commendable seriousness of purpose. It is also,unfortunately, very sluggish, with far too many scenes of Washington wandering around, doingnothing in particular except looking morose.
Audio
Not too much to say here, as the sound is mono (pretty unusual, for a 1989 film). The soundis crisp and clean, and there is no buzz, so it gets the job done. So much of the film is dialogue-driven that the lack of stereo isn’t that noticeable.
Video
The aspect ratio is 1.66:1 (non-anamorphic). The blacks are very good, but the colours arejust a tad on the murky side (though this fits in with the mood of the film). There isn’t any visibleedge enhancement or grain, but the image is a bit soft.
Special Features
The theatrical trailer, and nothing more.
Closing Thoughts
Despite the cover art, this is more a drama than a thriller, like a UK version of Do theRight Thing but with little of that movie’s energy.
Special Features List
- Theatrical Trailer
