'Brighton Rock'

Brighton, 1964.

Mobs of mods and rockers fighting in the streets, announcing the riots of 1977.

Adapted from Graham Greene's compelling thriller, 'Brighton Rock' tells the story of one of the most peculiar killers of detective literature, Pinkie Brown, aged 17. The movie starts with the murder of Pinkie's gang leader, Kite. When Pinkie's gang tries to avenge Kite by stabbing his murderer, they are witnessed by waitress

Rose. So, Pinkie will do his utmost to make her fall in love with him, to prevent her from talking.

Despite his hatred for women. despite his disgust for anything related to love and sex. Although kissing arouses nothing but repulsion in him.

The movie remains quite faithful to the book, its thrilling atmosphere, and the quickened rhythm towards the end, though it may seem a little bit slow at times. Still, this is also one of the director's choice: to keep you in a constant state of tension.

This is heightened by Sam Riley's brilliant performance, who masters perfectly Pinkie's twitches of disgust. My only disappointment: a few references only to the fact that he does not drink nor smoke, whereas this is one of the highlights of the protagonist.

Rose mixes fear, sweetness and naiveté, while Pinkie"s are just as good. Helen Mirren embodies motherly Ida, far less annoying than in the book.

Still, you stand with Pinkie and Rose, wondering what the hell Ida is doing while noseying round other people's business.

But Brighton Rock's main asset lies in its aesthetic quality. Graphically speaking, you cannot but feel delighted, colours and moves merge to make anxiety rise. Brighton Rock is quite a gloomy, bloody movie, and the music during Pinkie's chase is just marvellous.

Many people criticised the fact that the action took place in the 60s rather than in the 40s. But Joe Wright managed to re-create the 60s far better than the setting of his two previous movies, 'Pride and Prejudice' and 'Atonement'. For once, Mr Wright knew how to read a book. Well done, Joe, you did it!!

The only big failure: the ending, too much Hollywoodianised for my taste (but knowing the director, it seemed unavoidable). Mr Wright, please re-read the book. You'll see that in Brighton Rock, there is no redemption, only hell and sin. Who knows... maybe your next film will be your masterpiece.

Nevertheless, dear spectators, for the moment, instead of blindly following critics and risking to experience massive boredom while watching 'The Tree of Life', go and see 'Brighton Rock'. I beg you. i'll leave you with this image and the most moving lines of the film:

Pinkie, with an angry voice, trying to scare Rose: 'Are you afraid?'

Rose: 'Not when I'm with you!'