Lucid, violent and exquisite

Rating: 10/10 (30 November 1999)

This controversial film from the early seventies is still profound and effective today. Malcolm McDowell gives a good performance as Alex De Large, a sadistic and violent ruffian who leads his gang of Droogs from one violent episode to the other until he is caught. He is then sent to an institution for a radical treatment to cure him. This is a very stylish and quintessentially English film. The sets are lucid and impressive, the electro music and the classical Beethoven is good, and if you are English you will recognise most of the actors. It is a who's-who of English actors on show. It is a provoking, violent, well-made and memorable film. Essential viewing.