I was drawn into this film, as Dirty Den appears at the very beginning. What was that about, answers on a post card please, as I'm none the wiser? But it worked, and the film just about made it, to keep me more or less interested.
In any event not a great, yet not a bad film. Bit of over acting by some (well most in fact) of the cast. Perhaps that's the directors fault. However it's got a solid beginning, middle and very good end.
The development of the characters is very and often, over stated. Yet, if suspending reality and just wanting to watch a bit of easy watching, contemplating what the British criminal world maybe get up to. Add in alcoholic beverage and your Friday night curry bag, from the supermarket, this is an excellent choice.
Nicolas Ball, you may recall him from his prime, in and as Hazel. He hasn't been doing a great deal of significance work over the recent years. That's a surprise as his role is brilliant. Clearly the best performance in the film. However Evie Hughes makes a sterling performance throughout. She is very young, yet produces a virtual masterclass in acting. I suspect young Evie has a long and generous career ahead of her brilliant self.
I can see a Hollywood producer using this film as a basis to invest heavily in a lavish production built around what has been accomplished here. Trafficking deals well with a dirty aspect of criminal life, a bit more polish, less spitting and lots more money, a remake could well become a major motion picture. Yet, no role for Dirty Den. Real name Leslie Grantham who made a splash when Eastenders first hit our little screen in the 80's, sadly died in 2018, having left Albert Sq after 20 years.
