Offender

It confounds me how many people find this a 'realistic' film blah blah. A "kid" with no record ends up on the same cell block as offenders with multiple convictions? A youth facility with only one female officer? The uncontrolled behaviour of offenders and staff alike is ridiculous and "realistic?" And I don't think I saw any one offender who looked less than 20 and most looked much older. Even Cole in the lead role was 24 when this was made and he's the youngest looking of the bunch.

The injuries are typical film make-up and if you think a washroom beating leaves you with a bruised eye, you don't know "realistic." The probation officer works alone, doesn't call police, then leaves work in the stereotypical dark and gets punched out in front of typically no witnesses, even though she was initially terrified and HAD to know something could happen. Duh. And she has a shiner to show for it and loses the baby. OMG. How contrived. How stereotypical.

Those of you who think this movie has ANY redeeming qualities, you need to see more films. You also need a prison tour. A realistic stint in prison is boring and I get the need to spice it up. But don't be predictable and stereotypical to the point of insulting. Waste of time.

Thoroughly enjoyed this film! The lengths the main character Tommy went through for revenge is something special. The actor who played Jake I felt didn't act well enough, it looked to me that his over acting which didn't come off well and perhaps another actor could have done a better job. Would have liked to know what happens to Tommy now that his purpose to go in prison is fulfilled but guess I'll have to make up my own theory. This is definitely a film to watch with an open mind with no expectations Overall very good film! Great acting from the main character! Rated a 6 just due to some of the acting.

The pregnant girlfriend of Tommy Nix is assaulted causing her to miscarry . Tommy assaults a couple of police officers so he can be jailed in order to carry out his revenge on the men who committed the crime against his girlfriend

A simple revenge plot and perhaps mindful of this director Ron Scalpello goes out of his way to make sure the audience don't get bored by a simple tale of revenge . Massive big mistake because Scalpello almost undermines the movie with his " hey look at me " directorial flourishes that makes a MTV ident look like a static painting in comparison . The more you might be reminded of Alan Clarke's gritty realist cinema borstal drama SCUM the more Ronnie boy tries to distract you

I've no idea of Mr Scalpello's background but he's obviously influenced by adverts and music videos and never resists the temptation to have a blasting soundtrack with moody stylistic sharply edited visuals . You don't like drum and bass bruv ? Don't worry because in a few minutes we'll get a long montage with some indie guitar sounds . You want romance ? Good because we'll have a smoochy song for a flashback . You want the film to just get on with telling a story ? You're being a little bit optimistic for real bruv innit

This is something of a pity because Scalpello does manage to develop Paul Van Carter's screenplay intermittently but perhaps not often enough . I was very impressed with Joe Cole who very often doesn't get to say much but does manage to give an angst ridden performance and I look forward to seeing this young actor in more suitable material . Of the other performances the stand out is English Frank ( Not I take it his birth name ) as Jake the prison daddy . Yeah okay it a in your face OTT performance that possibly has no basis in reality but it is memorable and is in keeping with the entire style of the movie

OFFENDER ends up being a very curious film where less might have been more . It can never be accused of being boring or having a sluggish pace but it's a film that can't be taken seriously either . In other words it's disposable entertainment

2012 was an amazing film for British Films, something that I realised very early on when I checked out at least 72 of them last year. Offender was the first UK film that I watched in 2013(on DVD). Excellent film with a basic yet very effective storyline and some wonderful performances from the leads and the supporting cast. A 21st century version of 'Scum' with a better storyline. Definitely worth checking out. 2012 gave the film world, great British films like Deviation, GBH, Hard Boiled Sweets. Im very happy to be able to add Offender to the list of films that I recommend.

The DVD is available now to purchase from main outlets.

i too was suspicious of the low scores this film is getting (too many haters out there who don't like the genre?). Anyway it was packed when i saw at cineworld on Saturday night and got a good reception from a mostly young crowd. The lead actors are very good, some of them fresh talent. Joe Cole from TV's Skins is a revelation. The film goes at a fast pace and has some great fight scenes. Not really a remake of Scum but more a contemporary Brit thriller. You should like it if you have a taste for films like Taken and the Bourne trilogy. Lifted above the hoodie genre tag by the eclectic score of new music and classic soul tunes. Offender deserves to be a hit as its something a bit different from recent British films like Adulthood, Ill Manors etc.