In the early Sixties, there was Hell is a City and The Criminal; in the early Seventies Villain and Get Carter. Here the tough British crime film moves up another gear, revealing a yet blacker and more violent picture, as the over-complacent British gangster is ruthlessly brushed aside by interests from America and the new lawlessness from Ireland. As the Cockney kingpin of London crime Bob Hoskins is best when roaring defiance at his enemies like a wounded, cornered animal. The scenes of violence are many, ugly and professional and the film moves like a steamroller, heavy and relentless but ever onwards, greatly helped by the doomy background music of Francis Monkman. The acting does not always seem as relaxed as it might be, with the definite exception of Dave King's thoroughly bent policeman. Sharp eyes will spot Pierce Brosnan in his screen debut, as '1st Irishman'.