Trespass Against Us

This review of Trespass Against Us is spoiler free

** (2/5)

IN MANY WAYS, Trespass Against Us is an optimistic film implementing the gravitas of family values through three generations of Irish travellers. A narcissistic Christian father Colby Cutler (Brian Gleeson), he gives advice to the other members, his life values are inherited into Chad (Michael Fassbender) who lived under his father's shadow, which is influenced into the young eyes of his son Tyson (Georgie Smith).

Opening firmly with Tyson, Chad, and his father enjoying hare coursing. We learn here that Colby, will do anything to keep his family together he won't let them leave with his vice-like grip on them. He gives Chad jobs he doesn't want to do which gets him in a lot of trouble with typical police baddie Rory Kinnear. This ends up in turmoil for him and his family as he is constantly getting arrested, until his wife (Marshall) decides that she has had enough of Colby's ways she wants out.

This brings emotional heft as Colby tries his best to try and teach her that this is best for her family, he also preachers to her that the world is flat and there is no-where to go, but she ignores this and goes for it anyway. Unfortunately what she doesn't expect is that Chad is on another one of Colby's organised jobs, such as thievery, leading her to disbelieve in him. Colby will do anything to keep them together, even if that means threatening. The film get's progressively worse as the pacing begins to get shaky there are moments when it feels slower than it should and a couple of scenes that outstay there welcome.

However, it's not all bad as the performances by the two main stars are the heft with this, in addition there is also a shining set-piece involving a painted yellow Fiat Punto speeding through the streets of the closest town. Also first-time filmmaker Adam Smith adds some pathos here, when we learn that Chad will do literally anything to make his kids happy even if that means breaking and entering to steal an innocent animal for his son's birthday.

Sadly as much as it tries to add the emotional heft of togetherness there is one thing on our minds heading to the final moments, as we don't fully learn what the film's title Trespass Against Us really means, it's hard to understand what kind of message this film is firmly sending, seemingly it sends the in-depth message of family - perhaps sending one of learning to let go from those you love, whatever it is, it's not here.

VERDICT: A horribly put-together British crime-drama with a thin plot that even the performances can't save.

Irresponsible parents. A main character has awful father and tries to be a good father for his own kids, but instead he does his best to be the same crap as his own father.

This is a really tough movie to watch. It's not glitter it's not really made to be epic or anything else. It's a movie that stays low, that deals with a lot of strains, especially concerning family issues. But not just one dimensional ones, rather multiple ones. Blood related family, chosen family and so on.

Michael Fassbender and Gleeson are on a rampage acting wise. They really are amazing in this. The story is engaging enough and there is enough to enjoy. But you have to remember this is pretty gloomy. And the characters are not really people you'd necessarily root for in real life. But it's just that some people have to deal with different circumstances ... Not all the characters have to be likable - so just enjoy

First time feature-film director Adam Smith establishes much in the opening minutes of the movie.

Our first image has the camera on the heels of a bullet-fast hare being chased and running for it's life through an endless meadow. Chasing, it seems, is a way of life for the backwoods thieving Cutler clan who we're about to meet.

The local British constabulary is usually doing the pursuing.

Chad Cutler (Michael Fassbender) squirms under the thumb of Colby, his domineering father, whose never-ending lifestyle of thievery sees no happy end. With a brother already trapped in prison, Chad looks at his young impressionable son and wonders whether he can offer him a different future.

To create a different path he must reassess Colby as a role model, and contemplate the unimaginable… to trespass against his father's wishes and put his own young family's well-being above the clan's. Ensuring an education – something his father denied him – seems to be the only escape route for his children's otherwise ill-fated future.

Colby, played by the indomitable Brendan Gleeson, is an uneducated patriarch whose limited worldview is a creeping cause for concern. His knack for planning successful robberies is now questionable, and he senses growing desperation and worry since it's become apparent his schemes are outdated and flawed. But knowing no other way of life, he hangs on, using whatever resources he can to keep his son, Chad, with him.

Michael Fassbender is an extremely talented actor and makes a powerful presence on the screen. Through him we witness Chad's struggle to be a dutiful son, loving husband and responsible father. With no formal schooling, no ability to read or write, his strongest skill is seen behind the wheel of a car in hot pursuit, he wrestles to make a choice on what kind of future he can offer his young family.

My rating: 76 /100

20 /25 – Overall

11 /15 – Directing

12 /15 – Acting

13 /15 – Cinematography (colour, angle, camera position)

06 /10 – Editing (rhythm, pace)

08 /10 – Script (dialogue, storyline)

06 /10 – Music/score (sound foley, costume, make-up casting)

Fassbender is a good actor as is Brendan Gleeson and the story is a good one.

It is hard to understand what they say & i am Scottish!! It's all gypo ( gypsie) talk and anyone from anywhere else other than the UK is going to have a hard time with this - subtitles needed :)

The story is a well trodden one - where the main character wants to change his life but is enmeshed in the culture he was brought up in and it's taking him down.

Some good car chases - even through fields!! Someone said it has no redeeming qualities but ultimately it's not Hollywood and there are no happy endings. A good gritty story with tension and a fair bit of action - food character study - Fassbender does a good job here.