London Boulevard (2010)

From NetFlix:

Golden Globe winner Colin Farrell (In Bruges) stars in this gritty crime drama as Mitchell, a recently paroled ex-con whose attempt at straight life includes taking a job as a handyman for a reclusive young starlet (Keira Knightley). Based on author Ken Bruen’s critically acclaimed novel, this adaptation marks the directorial debut of Academy Award-winning screenwriter William Monahan (The Departed).

For me this film represents Colin Farrell’s best acting yet. As a strong character who will not be bullied, even by the sociopath Gant (played by Ray Winstone). In fact the best scenes are when Gant in several attempts tries to force Colin Farrell (recently released from prison for GBH) into a life of crime and you get to watch Farrell’s facial reactions that change from something like an indifferent stare into an angry, unflinching defiance.

Keira Knightley plays a fragile actress beseiged by paparrazi. Eventually Farrell falls for her in some very tender scenes.

More than anything, Farrell protects and avenges his friends. It is this fidelity that is somewhat his undoing. Expect a surprise ending.

Violent but compelling.

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