User reviews

After reading the polarised critics reactions I had to go and see it for myself. Overall I was impressed. On the upside I thought it well acted, especially by Goss and Curran, and pacy with some original scenes. The sound track also worked well with the film. On the downside one or two of the scenes looked a little hurried and it may have benefitted from more of a traditional story line approach. This may have been the result of it being an independent so possibly having limited funds. It's a pity it is only being shown in London as this one will, I think, stand the test of time.

Very very good film on the life of Charlie Richardson & presented from a very interesting & often convincing angle. Good acting all round, particularly Luke Goss who is absolutely magnificent as Charlie & deserves some good fortune. The time flew by, the story was gripping throughout & the references to other events & figures of the era were well inserted. If there were criticisms the ending seemed a bit of a rush job & left a few ends untied, the juke box court hearing for Frankie Fraser & the brother especially needed clearing up & once or twice the film seemed to jump unnecessarily from story / era to story / era when a little more chronology may have been better. It would also have been good to see what happened to the rest of the gang but hopefully that will come with the DVD. Overall, there was so much possibility with the plot & the angle the film could feasibly have lasted 3 or 4 hours & kept me interested but no doubt a lot had to be sacrificed in the making of it. But despite the story only arguably scratching the surface of the character it was a fantastic film & well well worth a watch. The best of the English (Snatch, Lock Stock type) films of this genre I've seen.

A high 8/10.

At long last a British gangster movie that does more than just swear, shoot and stab. This movie has all the violence you would expect from 60's gangster ridden London, but it also has a lot more to it. Luke Goss plays gangland boss Charlie Richardson whose gang rules South of the London River whilst the Krays rule North. Charlie is a slick movie that moves effortlessly from the streets of London, to the planes of South Africa to the infamous gangster haven of Spain. It was great to see some real British acting talent from Anita Dobson, Leslie Grantham and Steven Berkoff. The Director uses some clever editing tricks to give the movie a real 60's feel. I loved this movie; if you haven't seen it yet, rent it now.

I rented Charlie at the weekend and thought the film was great. I did not know anything about the Richardson's before watching the film and am now pleased I was not living in London in the 60's. I think the director portrayed the violence and corruption of the time splendidly. And I think casting Luke Goss as the lead was inspirational. I have long been a fan of Lesley Grantham, and liked seeing him play against cast. It was great to see the 60's being brought back to life through the costumes and cars, I especially liked the cars. The scenes between Charlie and General Van Den Bergh were particularly chilling. I was left wondering at the end of the film if that was today, how long would Charlie Richardson been sentenced to? I would recommend this film to my friends.