Cardboard Gangsters

Good, gritty crime film.

'Cardboard Gangsters' is very much worth a watch, it's relatively well made. The plot is nothing spectacular, you can probably guess where it's all heading, though that doesn't mean it's a bad film one bit.

John Connors carries things nicely as Jay, but Fionn Walton as Dano would be my pick of the bunch - he is pretty impressive. Damien Dempsey and Kierston Wareing also give noteworthy performances.

It's a little predictable no doubt, but this is a film that is definitely worth viewing.

Watched it many times since released. Love these types of low-budget UK/Irish/Scottish criminal/hooligan films as even though low budget they are far superior to the high-budget films as you don't expect much from them. Defo worth the watch.

The only downside is, that I enjoyed the music in the film yet no soundtrack was ever released and trying to find the complete tracklist, I give up in the end. Would love this to be released.

I felt compelled to give a review of this movie having read some of the others who slated it for no reason. For the budget that was allotted for it the show turned out to be one of the most enjoyable Irish movies ever made. It's dark and gritty from the start and doesn't hide from the audience the intended plot. The show fixates on the grand delusions of low end dealers in Dublin who really have no idea what they're getting in for. John as the central role plays his character to perfection and really holds the whole flick together. For a complete bunch of unknowns I take my hat off to them for being part of this rlly enjoyable drug based drama. Simple plot with expected finale but even though I knew what was coming that was OK. The film told us that from the offset. It doesn't hide itself from the plot. It's honest and gritty so just enjoy it for what it is.

I feel the 6.5 on IMDB is spot on. Its a great amateur film and very true to life. Very tense the whole way through, most of the dialogue was spot on and it really gave a glimpse into the lives and mindset of those living in darndale, one of the roughest suburbs of dublin. Loads of social problems but very close knit family units and a strong sense of community. Those horses actually do run about the place as well.

Well worth a watch.

I was surprised to see so many negative reviews for Cardboard Gangsters, I personally thought it was extremely impressive. Many of these council estate gangster movies are far too excessive and unrealistic, but this movie feels authentic and believable thanks to a really solid cast. John Connors' lead performance was particularly impressive and should be a sign of good things to come for him.

What impressed me most was its ability to capture the horrifying bleakness of life on these estates while never becoming too heavy or overbearing. Being ninety minutes long certainly helps, as does a strong soundtrack and engaging characters.

I appreciate that this type of story has been done many times and that there was nothing particularly original about the plot. But despite that, the combination of strong acting, powerful cinematography and excellent pacing makes this a thoroughly impressive production.