Cardboard Gangsters

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.

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 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.

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.