SYNOPSIS:
Garfield is Jack, a young man just released from prison for a crime committed when he was just a boy, Jack manages to build a new life - friends, a job, a girlfriend - until the ghost of his past returns to haunt him. Can Jack escape his violent past or will the mistake of his youth lead to tragic consequences?
MOVIE REVIEW:
Everyone loves a good drama which will leave you pondering about life long after the credits roll. With a serious looking DVD cover like this one, you can expect a somberly themed drama which will bring you on an emotional roller coaster ride with its protagonist. For the more sentimental viewer, a few tears may even be shed. The film may have been made in 2007, but the 4 BAFTA (British Academy of Film and Television Arts) awards is an indication that this is one gripping drama that one must watch to experience the power of film.
In this John Crowley directed movie, we see a young man being released into a new town from prison after many years. He is given a chance to live life again by adopting a new identity. With the help of his fatherly supervisor, he manages to get a new job, befriend new buddies and even goes on to fall in love with a girl. However, his past begins to haunt him and he realises that his crime will have consequences in his new life – can he escape from the dark past forever?
Based on Jonathan Trigell’s novel and Mark O’ Rowe’s screenplay, one can easily tell that the movie is a potential showcase of weighty and stirring performances – the type which will win accolades at major film awards. And how true it is, because newcomer Andrew Garfield (Lions for Lambs) took home the Best Actor award with his engaging and touching portrayal of a young man tortured by his past. Garfield may not be the most good looking actor in today’s day and age, but his compelling and enigmatic performance will draw you into the protagonist’s world and have you see the world from his eyes: something a powerfully heartbreaking film easily do.
Three other BAFTAs were awarded to Crowley for his sure handed direction, Lucia Zucchetti for the film’s effective editing and Rob Hardy for the film’s gritty photography and lighting.
And there you have it – four acclaimed wins to ensure the quality of this well made UK production. On a universal level, it showcases a story which everyone can relate to. You know that the protagonist has done something wrong in his past, and is all ready to begin a new life. But at the juncture where he thought that he can move on, something happens and he becomes entangled in his past again. How can anyone not feel for a character like that? Furthermore, the film’s empathetic approach never trivialises or belittles the subject matter, making the entire 102 minute viewing experience a very affecting one.
SPECIAL FEATURES :
This Code 3 DVD contains no extra features.
AUDIO/VISUAL:
There is nothing to complain about the disc’s visual transfer, and the movie is presented in its original English dialogue.
MOVIE RATING:
 
DVD
RATING :
Review
by John Li
Posted on 6 June 2009
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