Dir: Rowan Athale
2012
****
Rowan Athale's 2012 heist drama The Rise is a refreshing little film for many different reasons. Firstly, it's a crime drama set in the North of England, rather than the East end of London. Comparisons to Lock Stock are lazy, it's nothing like it, it's a bit more intelligent for starters and has far fewer annoying characters. It also doesn't play for an American audience. Tough luck if you can't understand the accents I'm afraid, The Rise stays true to its surroundings and is only for the thinking film fan, those who like to be spoon fed should look elsewhere. The narrative is very sharp, the story has a few holes, the heist itself is very clever but I have a few misgivings on the conclusion. It is subjective though, uncompromisingly so and for that I applaud it. The four lead actors are all brilliant and deserve success. Timothy Spall gives the film some gravitas, a seal of approval if you will but it is the four young actors and Athale's great story and capable direction that make this something special. Finally, a British film that cuts out the cliches and hits the mark.
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