Harrigan

Dark and gritty. Absolutely loved it - gripping story and a bit different from your typical gangster film. Really like the setting. Would love to see more like this!

Much exaggeration, and appears to be quite politically biased. I don't remember any of this in the seventies, surely it would have made the media even in those non internet days?..

I was impressed with Tompkinson in the lead role and think he carried the film almost single- handedly, although I would also give a special mention to the Acting Chief of police character. It was a shame he didn't have more scenes because he and Tompkinson worked well together.I found the script overly clichéd. Also, it felt like it was missing half an hour's worth of introduction -the allusions of histories between the characters was far too esoteric, to the point that I hardly cared and just had to accept that 'something happened'. Not that it's necessarily a bad thing, but the production had more of the feel of a play rather than a film. If I were to dwell on the nine-foot man's second appearance (those of you who have seen it will know what I'm referring to) then I'd probably knock off another star.

The film Harrigan is set in the difficult times of the early 1970's, and in the midst of a struggling economy and the industrial decline that hit the North East with devastating effects.

The dark, intense, gritty and violent scenes within the film are representative of the pressures and issues - providing a dramatic yet truthful account of criminal activity and general unrest in the region during this time.

Written by an ex policeman, Harrigan addresses stories based on real crimes and real situations. The credibility of the script is further supported by the work of the actors, especially lead actor Stephen Tompkinson.

The film certainly doesn't disappoint,it has a good pace, is gripping and creates fantastic characters for you to like - or loathe.

The creators have done a fantastic job considering it was done on a low budget (which you would never expect). Fantastic direction, a film I would recommend and regard as a classic.

I have seen some of the negative reviews and I can't believe they watched the same film.

It absolutely caught the atmosphere of 1974 with a gritty style and humour.

Stephen Tomlinson was well cast as the police detective. His scenes were totally believable and sometimes poignantly touching It is set on a run down housing estate with a real eye for detail from the times.

Gangs fighting for their turf back by the corrupt local working class establishment.

It's set in the north of England in a very bleak time and Harrigan has arrived back from Hong Kong where he has been on a two year secondment.

Highly recommended.