Down Here

As someone who lived in Vancouver for a long time, and have so many deep and fond memories of it, it was so great to finally see a film that treated Vancouver as an intricate tapestry as opposed to just a backdrop. The filmmakers got some amazing shots in, such as the scene where the two cops are standing on an old bridge with The Lions in the background. But everything Vancouver was shot thoughtfully and - despite the somber subject matter - lovingly, from the alleyways to the streets to my favourite: The panoramas of the Downtown Eastside at night.

I also thought that, for the most part, the acting and the script were excellent, and I liked the subplot of the relationship between the detective and the Native woman and the boy she was caring for. That story she told the detective about finding someone to love more than you hate yourself made me weep.

What I didn't like about the film was the showing of snuff scenes. At least I think that was going on....after I caught one second too many of the first of those, I averted my eyes from thereon in when the one or two more scenes of a poor young woman suffering then dying began, then I fast forwarded to the next scene. Not for me.

Troubled Detective Roy Harris deals with memories of a troubled past, so he turns to alcohol to numb the pain. He wishes he could do more for the people he sees on the streets, but there is only so much he can do. Roy finds comfort when he meets Stella (played by Tantoo Cardinal)that clearly changes him for the better.

The movie shows how harsh life on the streets can be, but it only scratches the surface of how bad it really is.

It's a well written movie that makes you think and takes you to a place that hits home. It's filmed in Vancouver's Downtown east side but could very well be any city in Canada or USA.

Growing up in Vancouver's East side I've seen how bad it can be. The filming locations were excellent, it's well filmed and the Cast all did an excellent job!

Two thumbs up goes to the writers Dean Wray and Teach Grant and the producers for working hard to make this movie worth watching.