Nice tight film showing the worst of Britain

Rating: 7/10 (31 December 2007)

For the purist there is plenty not to like about this film, such as the police always turning up late, the easy way in which an inter city train is stopped, and the way in which people recover so quickly from brawls and hangovers.
However, I have live in the area depicted for all of my life (over 50 years), and the film accurately portrays the way in which seemingly decent and well educated people can be pulled into gang warfare.
Elijah Wood's performance was a revelation for me, but the British supporting cast is excellent and I hope we see a lot more of Charlie Hunnam who is on form throughout.
The film is tightly directed and a must see for anyone interested in understanding one of Britain's less publicised sub cultures.