November 17, 2012

  • The Sweeney

    I am reviewing the excellent film The Sweeney which stars Ray Winstone & Ben Drew. It's based on the old tv series of the same name about an experienced although a bit corrupt police officer showing a newbie the ropes. It's also about the flying squad which have fast cars and pursue people like bank robbers. This is quite a violent film. Regan played by Ray is having an affair with the wife of someone who is leading an investigation into the flying squads methods. Regan steals some gold from a crime scene and sells it on the black market. Needless to say suspicion falls on him. Also a gang who are armed are going around robbing shops and banks. This is a gritty kind of thriller. At one point Regan is sent to prison for intimidating a witness but Carter stands by him and gets him out. There is quite a happy ending. I think Ray gives a fantastic performance. The original series starred John Thaw & Dennis Waterman. A couple of Sweeney films were made in the early 80's but I think this film is better.

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