The end of the Cold War completely changed the socio-economic and political landscape, not only in Eastern Europe but also on the western side of the former Iron Curtain. One individual profoundly affected by these changes was the protagonist of Face, a British 1997 crime thriller directed by Antonia Bird.
Ray, portrayed by Robert Carlyle, was once a radical left-wing activist who spent much of the 1980s challenging Margaret Thatcher's regime. By the 1990s, he witnessed his idealism crumble as people became more interested in personal gain at the expense of societal progress. Faced with a system that seemed rigged against him, Ray turned to a life of crime, leading a group comprised of his former prison cellmate Stevie (played by Steve Waddington), seasoned criminal Dave (played by Ray Winstone), unhinged Julian (played by Philip Davis), and Jason (played by Damon Albarn), the young nephew of a local crime boss.
Their successful heist on a West End security firm takes a dark turn when they discover they've stolen less money than anticipated. Tensions rise within the group, leading to conflicts and mysterious attacks on their families. Despite the mounting pressure from both sides, Ray is determined to uncover the truth.
While Face attempts to blend Tarantinoesque crime drama with socio-political commentary on post-Thatcherite Britain, some aspects fall short. The script by Ronnan Bennet struggles to fully explain Ray's shift from activist to criminal, and at times, the film's message can come across as heavy-handed. However, as a straightforward crime thriller, Face still manages to captivate audiences. Antonia Bird's direction keeps the pace engaging, building up to a surrealistically violent climax.
The film boasts strong performances, with Carlyle delivering a standout portrayal of a man torn between his ideals and the harsh realities of the criminal underworld. Despite a somewhat contrived happy ending that contrasts with the overall tone, Face remains a solid watch, thanks to Bird's direction and the cast's talent.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
(Note: This review was originally posted on the Usenet newsgroup rec.arts.films.reviews on July 14th, 2004)
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