63 recensioni
- brianlay65321
- 11 ott 2018
- Permalink
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.
'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.
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.
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.
- Ruskington
- 5 set 2020
- Permalink
I didn't read any reviews before watching I just stumbled accross the movie on Netflix and figured I'd give it a go. The story is okay but it's been done a million times before. I do think they did a good job with it though overall. The acting is okay too nothing brilliant. If you're in to films like this though I'd definitely reccomend giving it a watch. I wasn't bored at all watching the whole film which is quite unusual for me. I also developed a liking for the main character.
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.
Well worth a watch.
I felt like I was looking through a time machine into the suburb I grew up in. Everyone trying to make a fast buck no matter what side of the law they fall on. No respect for cops. A major struggle. Lots of eccentric characters. Yes the acting is average but I think this adds to the gritty nature of the film. Worth the watch if your not a pompous moron keyboard warrior who thinks they're some kind of movie specialist.
Really I gave it a seven because it did so many things right. But the overall story was lacking. You can tell it had a low budget but it was done well. The main character did a good job and the camera work was gritty. The only scenes that didn't work for me were the dancing scenes but that might have just been me. Whoever directed this film should get more work. Lastly I dug the heavy dialect it made the movie all that more convincing.
- baywoodarborist
- 1 mar 2021
- Permalink
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.
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.
- antony-murday
- 18 ago 2022
- Permalink
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 wasn't expecting too much and was pleasantly entertained for the full movie. Very realistic as I grew up in quite a similar environment growing up and found the aggression in the walk and talk of the a holes wandering about quite accurate so the Director achieved what he wanted to there. A lot of reviewers are saying the acting was awful but in fact they acted like nobody prix very well so...job done. Dark story with a bad ending and lessons to be learned ... An all round good effort on a low budget but a higher one wasn't needed. You can see this in reality any day of the week so it didn't feel like you were watching a movie at all , again this is a compliment to Director. Well done.
- Mango-30793
- 8 giu 2019
- Permalink
How can anyone not like this film keeping in mind this is a non- Hollywood big budget production?! Wow, I was blown away... I still feel uneasy 30 min after the ending credits.
This film was the Irish equivalent to a Tarantino film!
Novice writer and director Mark O'Connor just nailed every aspect of this film. His directing is comparable to any top Hollywood director. Camera angles, close ups, pan-in & outs, just perfect! Even the cinematography and score could have not been fitted any better into this film.
Then we have actor and writer John Connors who just nailed his character so well, you felt you were right there feeling his emotions and tension. It felt as if this was all actually happening and you were just in the background observing everything.
Nothing about this film felt acted, phony or 'Hollywood-ish'. The realism was on point. I've never heard of any of these actors and every single one of them played their characters to perfection.
I'm just shocked at some of these negative reviews, especially the one who was so judgmental on the actors appearances, charisma, etc... and he didn't even get past 20 mins of this masterpiece. Know-it-all critics like that need to be banned from this site, as they are clearly not critics! Try Googling 'how to critique a film' and then analyze each component and you will see this film is a winner. Add the tense enjoyment and realism and this film is perfect.
Do yourself a favor and watch this film, ignore the negative reviews, take your blinders off, and see this film for what it is... a non-Hollywood, low budget amateur film masterpiece. It's a slow start, but gets much better. And if anyone thinks my review is fake, click on my username and you will see I'm more legit than 80% of the people on this site with over 600 ratings and almost 300 reviews!
A perfect and well deserved 10/10 from me! Bravo to John Connors, Mark O'Connor and all the rest of the cast and crew who put together this masterpiece! I hope you win many well deserved awards.
This film was the Irish equivalent to a Tarantino film!
Novice writer and director Mark O'Connor just nailed every aspect of this film. His directing is comparable to any top Hollywood director. Camera angles, close ups, pan-in & outs, just perfect! Even the cinematography and score could have not been fitted any better into this film.
Then we have actor and writer John Connors who just nailed his character so well, you felt you were right there feeling his emotions and tension. It felt as if this was all actually happening and you were just in the background observing everything.
Nothing about this film felt acted, phony or 'Hollywood-ish'. The realism was on point. I've never heard of any of these actors and every single one of them played their characters to perfection.
I'm just shocked at some of these negative reviews, especially the one who was so judgmental on the actors appearances, charisma, etc... and he didn't even get past 20 mins of this masterpiece. Know-it-all critics like that need to be banned from this site, as they are clearly not critics! Try Googling 'how to critique a film' and then analyze each component and you will see this film is a winner. Add the tense enjoyment and realism and this film is perfect.
Do yourself a favor and watch this film, ignore the negative reviews, take your blinders off, and see this film for what it is... a non-Hollywood, low budget amateur film masterpiece. It's a slow start, but gets much better. And if anyone thinks my review is fake, click on my username and you will see I'm more legit than 80% of the people on this site with over 600 ratings and almost 300 reviews!
A perfect and well deserved 10/10 from me! Bravo to John Connors, Mark O'Connor and all the rest of the cast and crew who put together this masterpiece! I hope you win many well deserved awards.
- Top_Dawg_Critic
- 22 ott 2017
- Permalink
I enjoyed it, but you have to forgive a lot in the story telling. A lot of it is very random. But overall it's entertaining.
- johntallen-70345
- 30 gen 2019
- Permalink
It's watchable, don't get me wrong and you could likely waste an hour and a half and not be overly disappointed, but this is no 6.5+ Gangster flick. A shade above a load-a sh*te. Tired subject and mostly *yawn* acting. IMDb rating system is bordering on the ridiculous these days. It used to be an honest reflection on the film's worth. Now it's just a hooky scam only reflected by those involved in the film and trying to drum-up business and viewers based on dishonest reviews.
- randomfx01
- 2 nov 2017
- Permalink
I registered to IMDB to leave a review as I just watched this film. It's quite an interesting movie. The acting is strong in parts, questionable in other parts but it doesn't undo the film. Some plot points are a little forced but no more than so many other bigger budgeted movies, but they have the top actors, editors, music composers etc to pull of these kind of plot twists. Overall a good Irish film and from others I have seen, it is doing something new in the Irish Film World.
- amyconway-29063
- 15 dic 2018
- Permalink
If you want a perfect drama with perfect acting, perfect direction, perfect plot, perfect score, perfect tension..... then such a film with a relatively low budget does not exist (apart from Shane Meadows' Dead Man's Shoes obvs). A film needs to be judged on its own merits. And this excellent small budget irish gangster flick is a tense, dark and ultimately human portrayal of young lads getting in a game way over their heads. Always gripping. I wasn't a massive fan of the ending - I won't spoil but a decision was made that was scarcely believable - but very impressive overall. Mark O'Connor is a director to look out for.
- michael-kerrigan-526-124974
- 4 giu 2020
- Permalink
- thescouseassassin93
- 31 dic 2021
- Permalink
Aweful film. The acting was terrible, the movie was just trying so hard to be like the rest of films I f that nature. How has it got these rave reviews? Obviously getting your mate to do one..
AVOID!!!
AVOID!!!
- craigilove
- 21 lug 2018
- Permalink
Unfortunately a too true story line of this generation. Great acting, drama and intrigue. A credit to all who worked on the film. Definitely worth the awards it won.
- holidaytimmy
- 24 set 2018
- Permalink
Well, its a low budget movie, with low ranked actors,,a boarding school - aged script,and an ''out of money''-abrupt ending,that should tell alot.but not the whole truth, as i'm writing this rewiew,i have a terrible hangover after 3 nightshifts, and when i am that tired my taste of film alaike are quite squeemish,and i may flick through 20 films and not like anything, so i was amazed that this film should sweeten my taste buds....it didnt bore me at all.
though i had great difficulties with the neolittic dialect of english used in this film,i had a good time.
some graphic issues at times, but just baby food compared to some low budget chutney /cockney-gangster movies made since 2005.
nice filmography at times,allright editing, and brave choice of musical score.
worth a watch if you can allow the absence of fine arts.
This movie was made on a shoestring budget. And they all shared the same shoestring. Some really stereotypical wannabe Irish 'gangsta' acting in this.
A couple things i noticed: The film has no sense of time passing. It feels like it all happened in one afternoon. Irish police DO NOT get involved in enforcing evictions or serving bailiff summonses. It's a Sheriff who enforces non payment in Ireland not a bailiff.
....sorry i'm not wasting anymore time on this. I'm gonna end it here.
Actually the ending is stupid and only a moron would do that knowing who the person was.
I reckon they only had one shoestring and it was used to hold the plot together.
A couple things i noticed: The film has no sense of time passing. It feels like it all happened in one afternoon. Irish police DO NOT get involved in enforcing evictions or serving bailiff summonses. It's a Sheriff who enforces non payment in Ireland not a bailiff.
....sorry i'm not wasting anymore time on this. I'm gonna end it here.
Actually the ending is stupid and only a moron would do that knowing who the person was.
I reckon they only had one shoestring and it was used to hold the plot together.
- hughiebyrne
- 13 ott 2017
- Permalink
Good film up until the last act when the main protagonist does something so unbelievably stupid it dropped from an 8/10 to a 6.
- VIKTORS633
- 5 apr 2020
- Permalink
- classicsoncall
- 24 feb 2021
- Permalink