Quality crime films are a staple of British cinema. Throughout the decades, we have seen some of the best actors and filmmakers make their mark in the one of the toughest, most fearless genres.
To celebrate the DVD release of Reg Traviss’ new film Anti-Social, we look back through 5 of the very best British crime films…
Get Carter (1971)
This classic slice of 70s cinema sees Michael Caine tackle one of his most famous roles as a tough mob enforcer returning to his hometown for the truth behind his brother’s death. With hints of a double cross and nothing as it seems, Carter tears through the streets of Newcastle, descending further into the criminal underworld seeking retribution.
The Long Good Friday (1980)
Regarded by many as one of the greatest British gangster films ever made, this cult favourite rocketed Bob Hoskins to international stardom, playing a gangster with fearless business aspirations who finds himself caught up in gangland killings and bombings. Interestingly, the story blends social commentary with suspenseful thriller.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
In Guy Ritchie’s hugely popular debut, cockney friends Tom, Soap, Eddie and Bacon suddenly owe seedy criminal “Hatchet” Harry a sizeable amount of cash after Eddie loses half a million in a rigged game of poker. Cue action, violence and plenty of colourful characters as the group plans a daring heist to obtain the cash they need to survive and repay their debt.
Harry Brown (2009)
In this modern crime classic, a modest and law-abiding pensioner is forced to stand up and take action, cleaning up the run-down estate he calls home, after his friend is brutally killed. Michael Caine delivers a powerhouse performance as the underdog hero.
Anti-Social (2015)
Inspired by the spate of smash and grab robberies that hit the news between 2012 and 2013, Reg Traviss’ action-packed gangland thriller is set amidst London’s sub-cultures. Dee, an anarchic graffiti artist confronting the system, and his brother Marcus, a smash and grab robber trying to get rich with a jewellery store crime wave, are travelling a dangerous path with a gang war ready to erupt around them.
Anti-Social is released on DVD on 14 September with a free soundtrack download
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