For a movie that at first glance is going to be a vigilante cops just kicking ass, and taking back the streets, it sure has a hard time getting there. I really Enjoyed the way that this movie didn't insist that anyone was really safe as long as the bad people are in control. There are a lot of brave real people fighting a new battle every generation in the streets to keep us all safe all the time. This movie opens with a little bit of a quick update on the situation in the world, and you get caught off guard for the first time right there I'll bet. The acting is nothing short of excellent by even the lowest player throwing stones. The bitter world really feels cold. I would recommend this one, but it is very British, there is no Hollywood ending, and it feels like a really long episode of original Life on Mars, I was really expecting to hear someone saying your nicked at one point even. Lots of violence, the language is really not so bad, but this one is not for kids, unless you need to smarten them brats up.

Based around Detective Sergeant Barry Harrigan and his mission for justice amongst the desperation and fear growing in a crime ridden estate in northern England. This film is grim, dark, intense, gritty and violent, set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the 1970's. The cast deliver solid and believable performances, especially Stephen Tomkinson, Bill Fellows and Craig Conway. There is definitely a feel of suspense throughout and the film also has the right amount of relief by humour in places. Many will be leaving the cinema wondering how many of Mr McKenzie's stories within the film are true! I was one of them! Great film. Definitely worth a watch. Especially if you are from Northern England.

On viewing this film you have to take into account thats it is an Indi production with a first time Director Vince Woods and entirely funded by individuals including lead cast then you watch the film and ask how did they make a period seventies film with riots and action scenes with such little resource. Had this been a French made film it would already have had awards . It is an unbelievably impressive film dark gritty and rough in the art of film making a real gem. Stephen Tompkinson takes the lead role in an untypical hard faced character that is very different to his recent TV roles but with support from Craig Conway as the disgusting paedophile criminal opposite its easy to take sides for the good and sit on the edge of your seat while the battle for control of the Newcastle streets between these two characters unfolds. I predict at least cult status for this violent and dark piece of policing history.

When someone says "British Crime Drama" I know what to expect, either Danny Dyer or another Mockney Guy Ritchie knock-off. So, it was a real delight to see that Harrigan is neither. Instead of geezers and shooters, Harrigan is moody, dark and tense crime drama set in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in the 1970's. Stephen Tompkinson is a refreshing change from the usual, in that he delivers a powerful, but essentially understated performance in the main role. The same is true of the supporting cast, who manage to give very solid performances. On top of this, the film is beautifully shot. James McAleer, the DOP, has managed to get just the right balance between the darkness of the story and the warm tones of the period. The movie is based on the real life experiences of a retired copper, and because if this it does offer up some new ideas, whilst not deviating too far from what you'd expect from a maverick cop drama. It's a brave production team that takes on a period drama on a British independent movie budget, but this one manages to pull it off with a certain amount of style.