★★★★★★★★★
Excellent [For rating system, see information tab at top of blog]
This film is arguably one of the best revenge films ever made. Released in 2004, Shane Meadows utilises his British roots to create a realistic and gripping story that renders the audience fixated.
A somewhat underrated film, the story follows Richard, a solider returning to his hometown in Middle England to exact revenge on the thugs that bullied his disabled brother. He plays sinister games with the gang before brutally 'executing' them one by one, disguising his psycopathetic nature with vengeance for his brother.
Dead Man's Shoes owes it's success to two major factors; Shane Meadows directional style being the first. His writing incorporates knowledge of England's gentle rural landscapes with a darker culture beneath - thus creating a rather ironic but beautifully shot film. His style is both perfectionist and realistic, and this is apparent in every aspect of the film. It is the attention to detail that brings each of the characters to life on screen, effortlessly making the audience relate and empathise.
The second successful component within Dead Man's Shoes is the choice of cast. Each one of the characters is perfectly performed, generating a screen ensemble that is exceptionally natural and realistic, which is vital for this type of film. If the characters are not believable, how can the audience relate?
Dead Man's Shoes - A exceptionally well made, casted and performed film; sinister, gripping and disturbing. Truly one of my favourite films.
