Saw this with my girl today and enjoyed it very much. It's nothing great by any means, but it's a good little film. Toby Kebbell plays a soldier back from Afghanistan, who soon finds himself in another war, this time on his home turf. The film switches between a plot involving terrorism and a plot involving violent gangs on the estate. Both are interesting to watch and both eventually collide. The plot is something we've seen hundred's of times over but that's not to say this isn't well made. Kebbell is very good in the lead role and can certainly carry a film. The supporting actors perform well enough too but nowhere near Kebbell's standards. The gun-heavy climax is gritty and well done, if you don't take it too seriously of course. Me and the missus were the only ones in the cinema, so I'm guessing this will probably die a death while it's on the big screen. Overall a violent, over-the-top but entertaining Brit flick, not to be taken seriously but not to be ignored. ***/*****
56 Reviews
Good Film, Tony Kebbell was very good.
badge85200323 October 2012
This film shows the aftermath of a Veteran returning home to England after serving in the middle east. The streets, the gang activity were a nuisance to this honorable young man. He was a man of "special talents" learned through combat. The local gangs, thugs brought about him unleashing his abilities on them. Tony Kebbell's very thorough movements when in a tactical situation were astounding. Having a professional background in Tactical Operations myself, I truly appreciated how he carried out his moves and handling of an AR / M-4 type weapon. Here was a man that wanted peace and tried to help others, only to be pulled back into using these methods learned. Sad but sometimes a reality. Excellent movie overall.
It should have been 2 separate films!
da_ve46 September 2011
Overall it was a good film albeit slightly confusing at times. The main character is very likable. There seems to be one plot which is advertised - the council estate plot, and the terrorist plot. The film would have been better if it stuck to one of the plots. The lady informant character remains unresolved. I believe it could have been quite similar to Harry Brown if done well. The terrorist part of the film was a bit confusing with too many twists to keep anybody truly interested. I believe if this part had been developed it could have been similar to an American blockbuster film which would usually star Matt Damon. The main character's performance is very strong and the reactions are more realistic and believable than in most action scenes. It was a nice touch to see someone actually reload in a movie. It is still watch able but it could have been a lot better.
CONTAINS SPOILERS: I give the audience and critics 1/10. This is an 8 movie.
christopher-dallas-113-22954123 July 2011
Warning: Spoilers
The movie's flaw was the antagonist formulaic Dr. Evil plan. For once, it would be OK to kill the "overlord" without having him explain the diabolical purpose.
I was impressed throughout the movie that the characters didn't use one-liner tough guy clichés.
Miller was matter-of-fact. He performed "the weary war veteran" as it is in real life. I'll qualify that by saying I did heavy combat in the Gulf War (1991) as a reconnaissance specialist and fought in 8 major battles (sorry about the narcissistic statement) I just want to say that I am qualified to make that statement.
Miller had to have been trained by a professional combat/SWAT team. If you spot someone "double tapping" the trigger, looking down the barrel (the right end) and actually reloading (firearms usually carry between 7 - 30 rounds, not 900).
I appreciate that the ending was "sad." I didn't like that he was taken out by a kid. The kid was not a worthy adversary, but that's a reality too. How stupid if I came back home from heavy battles and died by falling off a ladder or by a 12 year old wanna-be gang member with a stolen, cheap gun.
But that's real and you never hear of veterans talking about the irony. You also knew he would die from the very beginning. He had nothing in life to prevent him from making the sacrifice.
He didn't win the war, but he won the battle and ultimately saved lives.
You can say that he also payed for the collateral damage - the female tenet - that he couldn't save the boy from going down the path. And, to have ended the movie with him escaping would be disgusting Hollywood, cookie- cutter pulp.
This has the stamp of an indie film; it was low budget (I don't have the figure) but it meant it was not constrained by studios that pacify the masses.
The paste eating audience and band-wagon critics can throw out 8's for The Fast and Furious, Harry Potter, Star Wars 1-3, Toy Story, you get the picture. Some films are entertaining but they cannot be considered as cinema. They should be classified as theme park rides.
Hollywood movies are like roller-coasters; you're guided on a track, at the mercy of a controller and make you vomit.
Real cinema has disappeared long before paperback books.
I rate the audience and critics as 0/10
I was impressed throughout the movie that the characters didn't use one-liner tough guy clichés.
Miller was matter-of-fact. He performed "the weary war veteran" as it is in real life. I'll qualify that by saying I did heavy combat in the Gulf War (1991) as a reconnaissance specialist and fought in 8 major battles (sorry about the narcissistic statement) I just want to say that I am qualified to make that statement.
Miller had to have been trained by a professional combat/SWAT team. If you spot someone "double tapping" the trigger, looking down the barrel (the right end) and actually reloading (firearms usually carry between 7 - 30 rounds, not 900).
I appreciate that the ending was "sad." I didn't like that he was taken out by a kid. The kid was not a worthy adversary, but that's a reality too. How stupid if I came back home from heavy battles and died by falling off a ladder or by a 12 year old wanna-be gang member with a stolen, cheap gun.
But that's real and you never hear of veterans talking about the irony. You also knew he would die from the very beginning. He had nothing in life to prevent him from making the sacrifice.
He didn't win the war, but he won the battle and ultimately saved lives.
You can say that he also payed for the collateral damage - the female tenet - that he couldn't save the boy from going down the path. And, to have ended the movie with him escaping would be disgusting Hollywood, cookie- cutter pulp.
This has the stamp of an indie film; it was low budget (I don't have the figure) but it meant it was not constrained by studios that pacify the masses.
The paste eating audience and band-wagon critics can throw out 8's for The Fast and Furious, Harry Potter, Star Wars 1-3, Toy Story, you get the picture. Some films are entertaining but they cannot be considered as cinema. They should be classified as theme park rides.
Hollywood movies are like roller-coasters; you're guided on a track, at the mercy of a controller and make you vomit.
Real cinema has disappeared long before paperback books.
I rate the audience and critics as 0/10
Worth watching for the camera work
macub823 July 2011
Watched this film today and thoroughly enjoyed it. The camera scenes have been thought through for maximum effect. The feel of the whole film is gritty and fast moving. The scene which overlooks Canary Wharf is a new one on me ,it compares old and new London architecture in one scene. I have been to the Heygate estate and think this film thoroughly captures every essence of the area. The film is fast moving and nothing is overdone but is all conducive to the final scene. A Great British Urban Piece along the same lines of Harry Brown which i think was filmed on the same estate but from watching the two you can appreciate the different views of each director.
While it boasts some good action, the plot relies to heavily on clichés.
trublu21525 July 2014
The Veteran sits as an enjoyable watch, this British film boasts some pretty realistic action but the plot suffers greatly. The film follows a British soldier coming home from Afghanistan only to be tangled up in a conspiracy between government officials and street gangs. While the premise sounds promising, the plot relies too heavily on clichés from other films that, quite frankly, have done it better and more coherently in the past. The type of film has been played out in films ranging from The Bourne Supremacy and Shooter but what The Veteran does feature are some pretty intense and brutal action sequences that feature more than enough entertainment to keep the film going. The film is also really dark and brooding, it has a really great atmosphere to it but, as I said before, the plot clearly doesn't match up to the technical side of the film so it feels a bit lop-sided. One of my biggest complaints was the ending, and to spare the spoilers, all I will say is that you will feel a bit cheated by the lack of originality behind it. Furthermore considering that the script for this film is flat and features some poor plot devices and the occasional witty line, the cast does very well. Brian Cox feels criminally underused but that's really my only complaint as far as the cast is concerned. Writer-director Matthew Hope does know how to direct an action sequence but as far as adding some depth to his characters, he is severely lacking. At times we get glimpses of some genius muddled in between scenes that just don't work and it grows increasingly frustrating throughout the film. Overall, The Veteran offers up some amusing action sequences and an occasional bit of witty dialog but overall feels like a cliché-ridden missed opportunity.
Storyline mashed up
xiferfrost10 March 2012
The cinematography was fine, I actually like the fact that they made everything realistic. The only thing that is unlikable in this movie was the storyline mashed-up. There are things that are uncertain, there are things that are not clear or lacking of foundation.
There was two main story that was mashed up in this story. First is the part where the main actor is dealing with the drug dealers, and second is the part where the main actor acquired a job as from another party.
These could have been a better movie if the two main story was related to each other.
Mystery unsolved about the girl.
There was two main story that was mashed up in this story. First is the part where the main actor is dealing with the drug dealers, and second is the part where the main actor acquired a job as from another party.
These could have been a better movie if the two main story was related to each other.
Mystery unsolved about the girl.
Solid film but not recommended for all
hypersonic89996 September 2012
Warning: Spoilers
This is quite a good film, the plot wasn't anything out of the ordinary, neither was the acting, however it still manages to entertain with its gritty environments and intrigues within the plot line.
The story follows a recently retired young soldier who is unemployed and lives the slams of a British city. His friend introduces enlists him to an antiespionage agency that is investigating several terrorist cells planning to carry out attacks against the UK. The protagonist also tries to keep a neighbour and friend of his safe from a drug gang in their neighbourhood, that has enlisted his friend's child brother in their ranks.
The film touches several issues, such as the current "war on terror", drug problems, increasing criminal activity, children introduced to gangs, veterans facing problems adjusting to civilian life. It doesn't oversell itself and neither does it come short. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
If you sit to watch it bear in mind 2 things: a) the film doesn't focus on the action as much as the plot line and character development. Don't expect a Jason Bourne film. b) (read after the SPOILER sign)
***SPOILER*** The only problem I had with the film was its ending, and the main reason I wouldn't recommend this to everyone. The ending is quite anticlimactic and leaves several plot lines unresolved. While I wasn't expecting a good "Star Wars"-kind ending where all the good guys live, all the bad guys die and the world is a happy place, I'd still like to know what happened with all the other people involved in the story. Personally, I was left with a "so, that's it?" thought, which ruined the rest of the film for me. A similar film, "The International" (2009), has a similar kind of ending, but in that movie, the ending was enjoyable because it didn't leave unresolved issues and the viewer wandering if the copy of the film he just watched had a few scenes missing.
The story follows a recently retired young soldier who is unemployed and lives the slams of a British city. His friend introduces enlists him to an antiespionage agency that is investigating several terrorist cells planning to carry out attacks against the UK. The protagonist also tries to keep a neighbour and friend of his safe from a drug gang in their neighbourhood, that has enlisted his friend's child brother in their ranks.
The film touches several issues, such as the current "war on terror", drug problems, increasing criminal activity, children introduced to gangs, veterans facing problems adjusting to civilian life. It doesn't oversell itself and neither does it come short. It is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
If you sit to watch it bear in mind 2 things: a) the film doesn't focus on the action as much as the plot line and character development. Don't expect a Jason Bourne film. b) (read after the SPOILER sign)
***SPOILER*** The only problem I had with the film was its ending, and the main reason I wouldn't recommend this to everyone. The ending is quite anticlimactic and leaves several plot lines unresolved. While I wasn't expecting a good "Star Wars"-kind ending where all the good guys live, all the bad guys die and the world is a happy place, I'd still like to know what happened with all the other people involved in the story. Personally, I was left with a "so, that's it?" thought, which ruined the rest of the film for me. A similar film, "The International" (2009), has a similar kind of ending, but in that movie, the ending was enjoyable because it didn't leave unresolved issues and the viewer wandering if the copy of the film he just watched had a few scenes missing.
Makes no sense what so ever
thebogofeternalstench26 August 2012
Warning: Spoilers
A soldier returns from serving in Afghanistan to a $hithole tower block estate, looking for a job, doesn't find one, but gets recruited by the 'intelligence service'....why? Because hes an ex para?
Really stupid plot. Very unrealistic. The main actor has one expression throughout the entire film, no charisma what so ever. This is the guy that played the retard brother in Dead Mans Shoes.
The gang is pathetic. There's a shoot-out at the end with no sign of police ever showing up.
The whole film has the same mundane, going nowhere pace to it.
The main character likes to punch his wall and spit at the mirror....
I was really bored throughout. I didn't care about any of the characters or what was happening because the director doesn't make us feel anything.
The ending was pitiful.
Give this one a wide birth.
Really stupid plot. Very unrealistic. The main actor has one expression throughout the entire film, no charisma what so ever. This is the guy that played the retard brother in Dead Mans Shoes.
The gang is pathetic. There's a shoot-out at the end with no sign of police ever showing up.
The whole film has the same mundane, going nowhere pace to it.
The main character likes to punch his wall and spit at the mirror....
I was really bored throughout. I didn't care about any of the characters or what was happening because the director doesn't make us feel anything.
The ending was pitiful.
Give this one a wide birth.
Professional
kosmasp2 March 2012
Toby Kebbell that is. A powerhouse performance by a guy you might not have taken notice up until now. But if you watch this, you will at least remember his face (with time and maybe some luck on his part, concerning movie roles, maybe even his name). While the movie has its flaws his performance doesn't have any.
As you can tell by the rating (R), it does not pull any punches or anything else. You don't have to be too careful to follow the story, but it does take a certain level of commitment to stay with it until the end. Our main protagonist is an anti hero. And yet, while he doesn't want to be in the top spot, he never shies away from responsibility. Or "doing the right thing."
As you can tell by the rating (R), it does not pull any punches or anything else. You don't have to be too careful to follow the story, but it does take a certain level of commitment to stay with it until the end. Our main protagonist is an anti hero. And yet, while he doesn't want to be in the top spot, he never shies away from responsibility. Or "doing the right thing."
Good Not Great
robcourt8711 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
POSSIBLE SPOILER the film was good though i just found it boring it took over half an hour before any action then the film started getting good though through the whole film it feels like its missing something like background music it feels to quiet and then the ending to the film was just a bit of a let down and now just makes me think that the whole film was pointless an okay film but I've seen better its got nothing on other films of its kind of genre like adulthood and shank they are great films based in the London grime scene
as i was saying the film feels dead
and thats all i can say for it
as i was saying the film feels dead
and thats all i can say for it
Woah! Brill ending rewards patience in this great Brit drama
tombrookes200712 September 2011
Toby Kebbel is excellent as the veteran, returning to his London council estate following retiring from army duty. The decorated soldier struggles to find work and so gets involved in an anti terrorist undercover role, tailing an informant (the team being led by Brian Cox). Whilst this is going on he tries to help his friend against the neighbourhood hoodie gang, who are brainwashing his brother into the local gang culture.
Dark, gritty, slow to build up but gripping and exciting (and threatening) this Brit flick is a great watch. Miller (Kebbel) then realises all is not what it first seemed and has to find a way out and rectify a situation he is struggling to deal with. The thing that made it for me was the arguably non sell out ending, remaining in keeping with the film and rewarding the viewers patience with the story and slower first half. It is far from perfect, but with a forgiving film fan head, this film may surprise a few and entertain, and that is the point.
Definitely a top 20 film of 2011 and it's non blockbuster status will make it an even better watch for admirers of this sort of film and content, a modern underdog fighting back styled film.
This film is similar to Harry Brown, Taxi Driver and Outlaw.
Dark, gritty, slow to build up but gripping and exciting (and threatening) this Brit flick is a great watch. Miller (Kebbel) then realises all is not what it first seemed and has to find a way out and rectify a situation he is struggling to deal with. The thing that made it for me was the arguably non sell out ending, remaining in keeping with the film and rewarding the viewers patience with the story and slower first half. It is far from perfect, but with a forgiving film fan head, this film may surprise a few and entertain, and that is the point.
Definitely a top 20 film of 2011 and it's non blockbuster status will make it an even better watch for admirers of this sort of film and content, a modern underdog fighting back styled film.
This film is similar to Harry Brown, Taxi Driver and Outlaw.
you're either with us or against us....
FlashCallahan21 August 2011
Warning: Spoilers
Story is pretty straightforward on this one. Man comes back from Afghanistan with no job etc. goes to a pub to meet his mates, comes home, gets threatened by some 'yoofs'.
Turns out the 'yoofs' have a boss, who wants the titular character to join his organisation. he says no. Few plot point later it turns out the government and this gang are selling anything you could think of on the streets. This vexes the 'Veteran'.....
Did someone say 'bloody rampage??'
owing lots to death Wish, Harry Brown and even Uwe Bolls rampage, this film is probably one of the most depressing things you will see this year, and the most silliest.
Kebbell is great in the role, he has the emotion and menace to play a character like this, it's just the fact that the rest of the cast are so by the numbers. From the main guy who sits in his chair with all his mates around him with guns and dogs, to the young kid with the attitude, to Brian Cox who is just reprising hi role from the Bourne movies.
And the script is dodgy too. Until the final act, Kebbell has nothing to do but look annoyed, punch walls and get kidnapped......Three times (the guy is a soldier, you think he'd be more aware of this).
But then the ending is gritty and very, very powerful, which just about redeems the rest of the film and it's lazy characterisation. I confident in saying you won't see a more solemn ending in a film this year, even though you can see it coming a mile off.
So it's not a bad movie, just a bit sloppy, but thanks to Kebbell and the ending, is above average.
Turns out the 'yoofs' have a boss, who wants the titular character to join his organisation. he says no. Few plot point later it turns out the government and this gang are selling anything you could think of on the streets. This vexes the 'Veteran'.....
Did someone say 'bloody rampage??'
owing lots to death Wish, Harry Brown and even Uwe Bolls rampage, this film is probably one of the most depressing things you will see this year, and the most silliest.
Kebbell is great in the role, he has the emotion and menace to play a character like this, it's just the fact that the rest of the cast are so by the numbers. From the main guy who sits in his chair with all his mates around him with guns and dogs, to the young kid with the attitude, to Brian Cox who is just reprising hi role from the Bourne movies.
And the script is dodgy too. Until the final act, Kebbell has nothing to do but look annoyed, punch walls and get kidnapped......Three times (the guy is a soldier, you think he'd be more aware of this).
But then the ending is gritty and very, very powerful, which just about redeems the rest of the film and it's lazy characterisation. I confident in saying you won't see a more solemn ending in a film this year, even though you can see it coming a mile off.
So it's not a bad movie, just a bit sloppy, but thanks to Kebbell and the ending, is above average.
Not too exciting
Ilikebooks18 June 2013
Warning: Spoilers
If you are bored, you might enjoy this. The story line is all over the place. It is never established of what he did or how it really played into the plot line. He is a veteran but it lacks information about what he did. The characters didn't really connect and the ending shoot out was (I think) as merely shock value or some commentary on the War on Terror. The the movie tried too hard to show this and it failed. It left an open ending which didn't really give any suspense and was a lackluster effort to show what the ongoing conflict is really about. Perhaps the focus should have stayed with a local situation as opposed to leaning towards a boarder appeal. It might have lead the viewer to establish more empathy about each character but it's impossible do so when the characters drop suddenly from the move.
Complex, ambitious, challenging- a real experience
rossalexdowning27 August 2011
I actually had this film and another British 'grit' film - a Jason Statham film- 'Blitz' at the same time. I knew a little about The Veteran and and just didn't feel like watching it since I assumed it was going to be dark. It is that. However, when I actually got my finger out and started playing it- it really grabbed me by the manhood within seconds. Literally. Yes this is a heavy film, but is it something you want to watch? Yes. Is it entertaining, very- it has intrigue, drama and action. The human element of the main character is portrayed excellently by Toby Kebbell who I had seen some months earlier in the Guy Ritchie gangsta powerflick 'RocknRolla'.
I think it's useful to actually bring up Ritchie here, due to its links with Kebbell- and for that matter Statham's 'Blitz' which is a form of dark Ritchie film actually. What they all have in common is the grim underbelly of London and the disturbed inwards of British society. Unlike Ritchie's MTV approach, The Veteran has a hugh scope- a true comment on modern society, civilisation, morality... I could go on... REALLY heavy subjects which are explored with the vigour of a novel. In fact, this film would have probably been better as a novel- some of the labyrinthine plot does not take on first viewing, but I saw that as indicative of the confused state of morals, politics, loyalty and judgements that the film centres on. In this respect Kebbell's hard but traumatised soldier is a great piece of acting and a fantastic vehicle for a mixture of action/thriller entertainment and social commentary.
The conflicting opinions about the movie Blitz are typical of the state British cinema finds itself in right now. On one hand you have the type of Lock, Stock Brad Pitt 'ultraviolence' and crime-glorification popcorn for the Hollywood market. The Transporter, Crank and so on are also in the same vein you could argue- pretty soulless Statham nonsense. Blitz as a film is halfway between that and this. And what is this?
Well, it is the other hand. Something British cinema can actually be proud of, it has depth. It does not wallow in 'cool' Tarantino style violence and gore- instead it uses ultra-realistic action scenes (helped by the military/espionage storyline) to get into the heart of the British (read 'western') battlefield of crime, corruption, terrorism... and well, watch it and find out. In many ways, you might almost class this as a post-apocalyptic film, it echoes 1984 and generic Orwellian dystopia. Man up and watch it, give it just minutes and you'll be hooked.
Whether this type of film or the Ritchie style will gain control over Britain's cinematic soul remains to be seen.
I think it's useful to actually bring up Ritchie here, due to its links with Kebbell- and for that matter Statham's 'Blitz' which is a form of dark Ritchie film actually. What they all have in common is the grim underbelly of London and the disturbed inwards of British society. Unlike Ritchie's MTV approach, The Veteran has a hugh scope- a true comment on modern society, civilisation, morality... I could go on... REALLY heavy subjects which are explored with the vigour of a novel. In fact, this film would have probably been better as a novel- some of the labyrinthine plot does not take on first viewing, but I saw that as indicative of the confused state of morals, politics, loyalty and judgements that the film centres on. In this respect Kebbell's hard but traumatised soldier is a great piece of acting and a fantastic vehicle for a mixture of action/thriller entertainment and social commentary.
The conflicting opinions about the movie Blitz are typical of the state British cinema finds itself in right now. On one hand you have the type of Lock, Stock Brad Pitt 'ultraviolence' and crime-glorification popcorn for the Hollywood market. The Transporter, Crank and so on are also in the same vein you could argue- pretty soulless Statham nonsense. Blitz as a film is halfway between that and this. And what is this?
Well, it is the other hand. Something British cinema can actually be proud of, it has depth. It does not wallow in 'cool' Tarantino style violence and gore- instead it uses ultra-realistic action scenes (helped by the military/espionage storyline) to get into the heart of the British (read 'western') battlefield of crime, corruption, terrorism... and well, watch it and find out. In many ways, you might almost class this as a post-apocalyptic film, it echoes 1984 and generic Orwellian dystopia. Man up and watch it, give it just minutes and you'll be hooked.
Whether this type of film or the Ritchie style will gain control over Britain's cinematic soul remains to be seen.
Surprisingly good and a lot like a "Munich" style revenge movie. This deserves to be watched. I liked it a lot. I say B.
cosmo_tiger2 March 2012
"There are over 2,000 terrorists operating in the U.K. alone and that number is increasing daily." Miller's (Kebbell) army enlistment is over and he is not sure of what he wants to do. When he meets a group headed by Gerry (Cox) he finds his niche. Along with his new found friends he begins to hunt down and eliminate terrorists and a local gang of drug dealers. Having seen many of the recent war movies in the last few years I went in expecting to see long and boring (like 90% of the others). I was very surprised by this one. While not an amazing movie by any stretch this is a very good movie that is comparable in many ways to "Munich". A small group hunts down and tries to eliminate the bad guys one by one. Saying that pretty much sums up what the movie is about and while the acting is not great it is still very much worth watching and better then 90% of the movies that have been like this recently. Overall, a surprisingly good movie that deserves to be watched. I give it a B.
conspiracy twist not necessary
SnoopyStyle23 January 2017
War hero Robert Miller (Toby Kebbell) returns from Afghanistan haunted and finds his London neighborhood overrun by drug-dealer Tyrone Jones. His friend Fahad fears that his little brother Ryan is falling under Jones' control. Jones tries to recruit Miller to teach his thugs combat tactics and harasses him. Miller's war buddy Danny Turner introduces him to his older half-brother Chris. They introduce him to mysterious government agent Gerry Langdon (Brian Cox) who is tracking possible Islamic terrorists. Alayna Wallace is a confidential informer who has stopped contact for some reason. Miller is able to reconnect with her as a terrorist plot is revealed.
This is a small British action thriller. I really like its grim look and sparse vision. There's more than enough plot for a movie but they insist on adding an unnecessary twist. The terrorist conspiracy twist has been done over and over again. It adds nothing but logic problems. I like the drug crime story and the final shootout is terrific. Having Brian Cox around adds gravitas. This is interesting but a little simplifying would be useful.
This is a small British action thriller. I really like its grim look and sparse vision. There's more than enough plot for a movie but they insist on adding an unnecessary twist. The terrorist conspiracy twist has been done over and over again. It adds nothing but logic problems. I like the drug crime story and the final shootout is terrific. Having Brian Cox around adds gravitas. This is interesting but a little simplifying would be useful.
slow and boring instead of violent and terrifying
mrassokhin30 June 2014
Some sad, thoughtful and speechless English guy, supposedly Veteran, returns home (from somewhere) and submerges into strange investigation of the plans of some obscure terrorists and confrontation with local criminal with his own little army of gangsters.
Storyline is in truth a combination of two tales (about terrorists and about gangsters), it is a complete mess, unconvincing and boring, neither terrifying, nor violent. It is very slow paced and all the action is accumulated in the last 5 or 10 minutes. Finale is well worth the film - senseless and flat.
Cannot recommend it to anybody, 3/10 just for the fact I watched it till the end (will never again believe to the reviews so very inconsistent with main (low) rating)...
Storyline is in truth a combination of two tales (about terrorists and about gangsters), it is a complete mess, unconvincing and boring, neither terrifying, nor violent. It is very slow paced and all the action is accumulated in the last 5 or 10 minutes. Finale is well worth the film - senseless and flat.
Cannot recommend it to anybody, 3/10 just for the fact I watched it till the end (will never again believe to the reviews so very inconsistent with main (low) rating)...
Okay, but nothing special
BeneCumb18 January 2013
The plot as such seems realistic, but there are several unrealistic scenes - above all, related to shadowing and final shooting. The total conspiracy is also difficult to follow at times. It gloomy and gray background is probably meant to stress the overall mood, but it becomes annoying in the course of time. The very ending is too sudden as well.
And, as we do here with a so-called solo film (the leading character always visible), the selection of Toby Kebbell was probably not the best - he is short of charisma and particular features needed for such a role. Brian Cox and Tom Brooke were more catchy to follow; anyhow, murkiness and low spirits were too prevailing.
As a film in general, it is okay, perhaps even more, but for a British thriller, it is rather mediocre - just remember films by Guy Ritchie, for example.
And, as we do here with a so-called solo film (the leading character always visible), the selection of Toby Kebbell was probably not the best - he is short of charisma and particular features needed for such a role. Brian Cox and Tom Brooke were more catchy to follow; anyhow, murkiness and low spirits were too prevailing.
As a film in general, it is okay, perhaps even more, but for a British thriller, it is rather mediocre - just remember films by Guy Ritchie, for example.
Not worth to see,boring
t-demetriou28 October 2011
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was awful and you can call this waste of time,it says action and thriller but its not.It's a movie without any action in it its just someone that kills people again and again by the same way and a lot of fantasy also,there's no war at all,the war we had is in the past and also there are no drug dealers as we expected in the start.I and my friends expected a lot of more and this was very boring especially in the end where he kills a lot of those kids that killed his friend and destroyed his cars but he dies with a painful way by a 10 year old black guy and that's why its named thriller.In my opinion the only good thing to see in this movie is the way he kills those people nothing else but not worth to see,much more better shooting movies!
Brill British Crime Thriller In The Tradition Of Gritty 70's Crime Films!!!
lukem-5276024 May 2023
I've finally watched "The Veteran" & i loved it!!!
The Veteran came out of the extremely dark times of "Broken Britain" in the mid-2000's when we had a bunch of very violent & grim thriller's being released that used the gritty backdrop of a Britain in absolute despair. England was as violent as New York City was back in the 70's, that was how bad the youth violence got here when you couldn't walk the streets without a gang of savage hoodies beating your brains out & kicking you death (facts: it happened lots) & the police, corrupted government & useles laws did nothing to stop it.
Britain was in a state of fear & violence that seemed never to end, we had the Riots & non-stop savagery on the urban streets. Many films were born from this fear such as: Eden Lake, Harry Brown, Heartless, Attack the Block, Community, Kidulthood, The Comedown, F, Citadel, Wilderness, Shank, Cherrytree Lane, Outlaw, Vendetta & The Veteran, to name a few. Broken Britain was the backdrop for these violent, bleak thrillers that channelled into Britain's fear of an ever growing violent society with no one able to take control. Remember the ridiculous "Hug A Hoodie" quote by pathetic politicians, whilst innocent people were being beaten to death in the streets by those Hoodies!!! Senseless violence was everywhere in Broken Britain & all these films I've mentioned are a direct result & are products of that time. The Veteran is the best though.
The Veteran is probably the best of that British gritty urban violence sub-genre, or atleast i liked this film the best.
The Veteran was definitely inspired by 70's gritty crime thriller's such as Taxi Driver, The Conversation & The French Connection, & it's a nice take on that style done here in England. The best part of The Veteran is definitely the excellent performance from Toby Kebbell (Dead Mans Shoes, Wilderness) who is one promising British actor!!!
Kebbell plays his role as ex-soldier Robert Miller with a stone-faced & hardened attitude. Miller is suffering from PTSD after his time in Afghanistan fighting a pointless war & is now struggling to fit back into society, a very real life human story here. Ex-soldiers, as we know in real life do struggle mentally to fit back into society & coming home to the state of his London estate just enrages Miller even more. Britain, especially London has become a war zone, the times are bleak & there's a very 70's paranoia mood that hangs over the film & add a rage-filled soldier on the edge & we have a real bone-crunching thriller impressively made on a very low-budget, but i think all the hardships help make the film even better.
Again the story is full of truth, harsh dark truth but the truth nonetheless. The grim London estate, a huge depressing concrete tenement block that Miller has a small 70's style flat in, is now overrun with violent Chavs/thugs & they've constantly causing Misery around that area. Miller tries to ignore the scum & ends up working undercover for some shady government men. Now here the story works as two halves, we get the gritty urban action vigilante thriller (that goes a little Death Wish 3 near the end) & a Conspiracy Terrorist Thriller (a little Spooks, The Departed & even a little bit of Bourne) & both parts of the movie are great but at times a little disjointed, but only very small & not a major complaint because it all comes together beautifully by the end.
Another great thing about this underrated gem is that the violence is portrayed as extremely realistic & ugly, as it should be. When Miller gets cut during a fight he's seriously hurt & acting is top notch in that bloody scene. There's definitely a level of care to the crafting of this Brit thriller & that's why it feels so real & harsh. Violence only begets more violence & that saying is so true, but on the other hand sometimes violence is the only way!!! Miller knows this all to well & knows it's inevitable that he will use all his combat skills & anger to to the right thing in a place full of urban despair & hopelessness. Terrorists & street thugs beware because Miller is coming for you!!!
The Terrorist themes is another part that rings true & is a major threat in England (think of the disgusting & heartless Manchester bombings) & also the fact there's a dark atmosphere of corruption that is constant also rings true, because who can you trust really? Definitely not the government.
Anyway, The Veteran kick-ass as a moody, dark & intense urban Thriller with a top notch performance from Toby Kibbell & a strong supporting cast with the likes of Brian Cox amongst it.
The cinematography is definitely suited to the scenery which is muted, depressing & concrete. The music score is really damn good, dark & brooding.
The big shootout sequence towards the end is excellent, the best & most rewarding part the movie. Who wouldn't love to let loose (Travis Bickle style) & go exterminate a gang of Chavs!!! A great suspenseful action sequence, one of the greatest in my opinion!!!
Robert Miller handles himself like the damn Punisher in that sequence & he's great to watch as he tactfully takes out the street scum in his tenement block. Brilliant filmmaking & on a tiny budget!!!
The Veteran wipes the floor with overrated "British Cult Classic's" like Get Carter & A Clockwork Orange, there's more power-punch in this than both of those brit flicks out together in my opinion.
The Veteran came out of the extremely dark times of "Broken Britain" in the mid-2000's when we had a bunch of very violent & grim thriller's being released that used the gritty backdrop of a Britain in absolute despair. England was as violent as New York City was back in the 70's, that was how bad the youth violence got here when you couldn't walk the streets without a gang of savage hoodies beating your brains out & kicking you death (facts: it happened lots) & the police, corrupted government & useles laws did nothing to stop it.
Britain was in a state of fear & violence that seemed never to end, we had the Riots & non-stop savagery on the urban streets. Many films were born from this fear such as: Eden Lake, Harry Brown, Heartless, Attack the Block, Community, Kidulthood, The Comedown, F, Citadel, Wilderness, Shank, Cherrytree Lane, Outlaw, Vendetta & The Veteran, to name a few. Broken Britain was the backdrop for these violent, bleak thrillers that channelled into Britain's fear of an ever growing violent society with no one able to take control. Remember the ridiculous "Hug A Hoodie" quote by pathetic politicians, whilst innocent people were being beaten to death in the streets by those Hoodies!!! Senseless violence was everywhere in Broken Britain & all these films I've mentioned are a direct result & are products of that time. The Veteran is the best though.
The Veteran is probably the best of that British gritty urban violence sub-genre, or atleast i liked this film the best.
The Veteran was definitely inspired by 70's gritty crime thriller's such as Taxi Driver, The Conversation & The French Connection, & it's a nice take on that style done here in England. The best part of The Veteran is definitely the excellent performance from Toby Kebbell (Dead Mans Shoes, Wilderness) who is one promising British actor!!!
Kebbell plays his role as ex-soldier Robert Miller with a stone-faced & hardened attitude. Miller is suffering from PTSD after his time in Afghanistan fighting a pointless war & is now struggling to fit back into society, a very real life human story here. Ex-soldiers, as we know in real life do struggle mentally to fit back into society & coming home to the state of his London estate just enrages Miller even more. Britain, especially London has become a war zone, the times are bleak & there's a very 70's paranoia mood that hangs over the film & add a rage-filled soldier on the edge & we have a real bone-crunching thriller impressively made on a very low-budget, but i think all the hardships help make the film even better.
Again the story is full of truth, harsh dark truth but the truth nonetheless. The grim London estate, a huge depressing concrete tenement block that Miller has a small 70's style flat in, is now overrun with violent Chavs/thugs & they've constantly causing Misery around that area. Miller tries to ignore the scum & ends up working undercover for some shady government men. Now here the story works as two halves, we get the gritty urban action vigilante thriller (that goes a little Death Wish 3 near the end) & a Conspiracy Terrorist Thriller (a little Spooks, The Departed & even a little bit of Bourne) & both parts of the movie are great but at times a little disjointed, but only very small & not a major complaint because it all comes together beautifully by the end.
Another great thing about this underrated gem is that the violence is portrayed as extremely realistic & ugly, as it should be. When Miller gets cut during a fight he's seriously hurt & acting is top notch in that bloody scene. There's definitely a level of care to the crafting of this Brit thriller & that's why it feels so real & harsh. Violence only begets more violence & that saying is so true, but on the other hand sometimes violence is the only way!!! Miller knows this all to well & knows it's inevitable that he will use all his combat skills & anger to to the right thing in a place full of urban despair & hopelessness. Terrorists & street thugs beware because Miller is coming for you!!!
The Terrorist themes is another part that rings true & is a major threat in England (think of the disgusting & heartless Manchester bombings) & also the fact there's a dark atmosphere of corruption that is constant also rings true, because who can you trust really? Definitely not the government.
Anyway, The Veteran kick-ass as a moody, dark & intense urban Thriller with a top notch performance from Toby Kibbell & a strong supporting cast with the likes of Brian Cox amongst it.
The cinematography is definitely suited to the scenery which is muted, depressing & concrete. The music score is really damn good, dark & brooding.
The big shootout sequence towards the end is excellent, the best & most rewarding part the movie. Who wouldn't love to let loose (Travis Bickle style) & go exterminate a gang of Chavs!!! A great suspenseful action sequence, one of the greatest in my opinion!!!
Robert Miller handles himself like the damn Punisher in that sequence & he's great to watch as he tactfully takes out the street scum in his tenement block. Brilliant filmmaking & on a tiny budget!!!
The Veteran wipes the floor with overrated "British Cult Classic's" like Get Carter & A Clockwork Orange, there's more power-punch in this than both of those brit flicks out together in my opinion.
Terrible movie
imdb-819813 October 2012
Warning: Spoilers
I have no idea why England seems to put out the most depressing, not to mention, unrealistic movies, but I should have known better than to have even started watching this dismal waste of film.
To cut to the quick. The bad guy dies, the good guys win, we have no idea what happens to the girl, and ultimately the world is run by evil people and the most you can hope for is that they kill you last. Seriously, why have the writers of this movie not committed suicide already if they see the world as such a dark, hopeless place?
There are so many holes, unanswered questions, loose ends and implausible scenes that you get the impression the writers believe everyone is too stupid to care.
I am angry that I wasted an hour and a half of my life watching this nonsense.
To cut to the quick. The bad guy dies, the good guys win, we have no idea what happens to the girl, and ultimately the world is run by evil people and the most you can hope for is that they kill you last. Seriously, why have the writers of this movie not committed suicide already if they see the world as such a dark, hopeless place?
There are so many holes, unanswered questions, loose ends and implausible scenes that you get the impression the writers believe everyone is too stupid to care.
I am angry that I wasted an hour and a half of my life watching this nonsense.
Good solid film
LOL101LOL25 July 2011
I just watched this film, and it was way better then what some of the reviews on here indicated. Sure as like most films it is nothing new, no Oscars will be handed out, but it had me watching with interest from start till the end.
Sure it had some slow parts in it, but the story line was solid, acting was good, and the pile of bodies made up for the slow parts.
The British do these kind of films well, most of their cop shows are well done, and they are very good at making crime films.
Like I said no Oscar on its way, but a hell of lot better then the crap that has been coming out of Hollywood this year.
Solid 8 out of 10
Sure it had some slow parts in it, but the story line was solid, acting was good, and the pile of bodies made up for the slow parts.
The British do these kind of films well, most of their cop shows are well done, and they are very good at making crime films.
Like I said no Oscar on its way, but a hell of lot better then the crap that has been coming out of Hollywood this year.
Solid 8 out of 10
Better than it looks
lukeb-1608223 May 2020
Quite good to be fair, I like the conspiracy and the message throughout the film. Can be slow at times but does eventually pay off. Only downside to me is the ending, as it suddenly ends without everything being wrapped up.
Worth a watch though
Worth a watch though
just horrible
marcoasleitao-905-48075316 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
The plot could be interesting, but the movie is very slow and sometimes confusing. And the end...when you think we will have some action...comes the WORST END I HAVE EVER SEEN IN A MOVIE !
Just happens tat the fate of the hero is not what we would expect.
Just happens tat the fate of the hero is not what we would expect.
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