Red Riding: 1974

Starring: Andrew Garfield, David Morrissey, John Henshaw, Anthony Flanagan, Warren Clarke, Rebecca Hall, Sean Bean
Directed by: Julian Jarrold
Rating: Not rated
Genre: Drama, Crime, Mystery
2009

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: In Northern England, a young reporter (Andrew Garfield) risks his own safety to investigate a series of murders.

Review:

Tim: The film is loosely based on a series of child murders that shocked northern England in the 1970s. The film focuses on a young, ambitious reporter and his investigation of the murders. The movie weaves serial killers, cops, and reporters together in a complex, winding, interesting film. The film is oftentimes difficult to watch as we're dealing with some pretty horrific events. However, the gruesomeness all serves a very important purpose- this movie is supposed to make you feel uncomfortable, to a certain extent.

The best aspect of this film has to be the performance of Andrew Garfield. I liked him quite a bit in The Social Network, and he completely won me over in this film. I'm very excited for him to be taking over as the new Spider-Man. Garfield is a very good actor, and he has a meaty, exciting part here. The film revolves around Garfield's character, and he does such a terrific job in the lead role. He's going to be a huge movie star soon, and for good reason. He isn't afraid to give a complex, oftentimes unlikable performance. I was wowed by his ability here.

The supporting cast is good, too. I liked Rebecca Hall in a tough role. She didn't have many scenes, but her image is one that will stay with me long after. I also really enjoyed Sean Bean. It's probably not his best role, but he certainly had the opportunity to ham it up a bit. He's without a doubt one of the great villain actors, and it's always fun to see him in that role.

This film is a British production that I believe was made for television. It occasionally does feel like a made-for-TV movie, but is certainly better than 95% of the TV movies made in the United States. It was released theatrically here, although it made very little money in theaters. The movie holds up a solid, entertaining, challenging, memorable film. I struggle with that a bit. I have an automatic prejudice against made-for-TV movies. I generally don't review them. However, films like this push the boundaries of TV. This certainly doesn't feel like a television movie, and it was released theatrically here in the U.S. I suppose in the end, it doesn't matter what kind of movie it is- as long as it's good.

I have to mention that the film ended in a very unexpected, exciting, crazy fashion. I really enjoyed the end of the film, especially because it was so jarring to me. I thought I understood what this trilogy of films was all about. As this one ended, I realized I have no clue what the next two films will be about. I don't know, but I am excited to find out.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: Red Riding: 1980, Red Riding: 1983