Harry Brown [2009]

Cast: Michael Caine (Alfred from d Batman movies), David Bradley (Filch from HP), Emily Mortimer (Nicole from Pink Panther)
Plot: An elderly ex-serviceman and widower looks to avenge his best friend's murder by doling out his own form of justice.
Description:
Harry (Caine) is a British ex-Marine and now a widower after his wife dies of old-age ailments. He lives a normal,quite lonely life. He and his only friend Len (Bradley) meet regularly at a local pub and play chess.
One day, Len tells Harry that he is being harassed by some local miscreants. He says that he couldn't handle it anymore and would retaliate with the army knife he had procured. The next day, Harry learns from the Police that Len was murdered with the same knife. With his wife and best friend gone, the world closes in around him. When the Police are unable to prosecute any of the murderers, Harry decides to bring out the old serviceman, play the vigilante and punish the murderers. Like Clint Eastwood in Gran Torino, he’s a former Marine who is handy with a gun or a knife and he’s also merciless in his approach to young offenders.
Review:
Caine is unwavering in his commitment as the grieving widower pushed over the edge by his best friend’s slaying. Harry Brown is ultimately a celebration of a vigilante ethos, suggesting that when there’s a junkie on every corner and decent folk are too scared to leave their homes, then we need a maverick like Harry to come along and commit mass murder.
The cinematography and background score are very effective. There are few moments that fail to ring true (including a police raid on the estate) to undermine the film’s overall credibility. But Michael Caine's mesmerising performance makes up for it. Watch it for him!
My Rating: 4/5