Nick Love, better known for his odes to hooliganism and organised crime, with The Football Factory (2004) and The Business (2005), is back with his eagerly anticipated take on a british cultural gem, a much adored 1970's police detective TV show, this is The Sweeney. This is very much seen through Love's lens as well. A perfect director for depicting british street violence, as seen in previous work, and very good in getting the best out of those involved.
Jack Regan (Ray Winstone) is London's toughest cop and head of an elite crime-fighting unit, The Sweeney. When Regan's nemesis turns Central London into a battle ground and his unit are framed for corruption, Regan and his young partner, the bad-boy turned good-cop, George Carter (Ben Drew) find themselves removed from duty and thrown to the mercy of the underworld.
There are strong performances here from both Winstone and Drew (also known as Plan B). I remember thinking, when watching Drew's earlier 'cockney-thug-like' representations in both Adulthood (2008) and Harry Brown (2009), that his performances helped capture the realism needed to document the violent tribal streets found in London. Of course portraying this type of character can be made easier if the surroundings attached to them are where you were brought up, and it was for Drew, but a dose of talent needs to be added to the mix. It seems that the young already established singer/songwriter has this and could be almost labelled as an up-and-coming 'method-actor'.
I'm sure such a compliment was paid countless times to Winstone, many years ago, especially after his memorable performance in Scum (1979). So, if Ben needs anyone to look up to at this stage in his career then Ray is the man, as he has been there and remained successful since. This sense of idolisation is interestingly reflected on both their characters in The Sweeney. Ray Winstone's DI Jack Regan is hero-worshipped by his young colleagues, as he plays the part with a grizzled, eye-catching menace. This combination of characteristics between the two produces an inspired father-son vibe. Winstone's status and received respect means this ideology can be played out well. This take on the characters' relationship is slightly distant from the familiar double act seen in the 70s TV show, which was a more equal, bantering partnership, but still an interesting adaptation by Nick Love.
A very enjoyable watch with lively banter, a gritty storyline with fast-paced action sequences, screeching car chases and cocky catchphrases, The Sweeney has all the key ingredients you'd expect from a good old-fashioned police detective drama, don't miss out.
*Ray Winstone is well cast*
Peter Bradshaw - The Guardian
*Regan and Carter give the popular 70s TV show a cosmetic 2012 facelift in this clever adaptation*
Lisa Giles - Keddie
Check this out:
The Sweeney (15) is screening on Friday 19th October at 7.45pm, Saturday 20th at 10.45am & 7.45pm and Monday 22nd October at 2pm.
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