Brighton Rock (2010)
British gangster remake cranks up the violence and language.
Common Sense is a nonprofit organization. Your purchase helps us remain independent and ad-free.
Brighton Rock (2010)
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by suggesting a diversity update.
Suggest an Update
A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Brighton Rock is a 2010 adaption of Graham Greene's classic book, and a remake of a 1948 version, and includes vicious violence and strong language throughout. Sam Riley stars as Pinkie Brown, a psychotic young gangster wanted for murder. Alongside Pinkie, most of the cast are remorseless gangsters who kill, maim, extort, and intimidate others to get what they want. The exceptions being Ida (Helen Mirren) and Rose (Andrea Riseborough) who both show genuine concern for others. Violence is frequent and bloody, as the main characters tend to fight using either flick-knives or straight-edge razors to cut their victims. The most serious injury involves a character losing an eye, while another is beaten to death with a rock. Pinkie and Rose become romantically involved, and though no actual sex is shown, Pinkie is shown roughly placing his hand between Rose's legs. Both Rose and Pinkie discuss their Roman Catholic faith including consummating a relationship after marriage. Though drinking and smoking is depicted, it is intermittent and not shown to excess, and is consistent with the film's 1960s setting.
Community Reviews
There aren't any reviews yet. Be the first to review this title.
What's the Story?
In BRIGHTON ROCK, Pinkie Brown (Sam Riley), a young gangster in 1960s England, becomes embroiled in a murder and a relationship with a young, naive waitress called Rose (Andrea Riseborough).
Is It Any Good?
This second movie adaptation of Graham Greene's classic novel lacks the 1948 original's stylish film noir atmosphere and performances. Director Rowan Joffe also wrote this 2010 version of Brighton Rock, which transplants the action to 1960s seaside Britain. But he does little with the notorious mods and rockers -- two rival British subcultures so associated with the city and era -- with Pinkie and the other gangsters feeling bolted onto the city in which they operate, rather than being integral to it.
Joffe's attempt to expand the role of Rose only creates an awkward, unconvincing romance between her and Pinkie, and a character that lacks any real consistency. Riley is miscast in the lead role too. He's too old and not menacing enough. He's also partially hamstrung by a script that tries to reintroduce more of the original book's questions about faith and fate to little dramatic effect. The supporting cast fair better, with Helen Mirren making the most of her turn as Ida, the movie's moral center. With the superior 1948 film -- and the original book -- available, this haphazard version is best forgotten.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in Brighton Rock. How did it make you feel? What did the movie have to say about violence? Did it glorify it?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Was it shocking? Did it seem necessary or excessive? What did it contribute to the movie?
Talk about Pinkie's relationship with Rose. Did the power imbalance between them seem odd? Did Pinkie's attitudes toward women seem sexist?
Have you seen the original movie or read the book? How did this version compare?
Movie Details
- In theaters: August 26, 2011
- On DVD or streaming: December 27, 2011
- Cast: Sam Riley, Andrea Riseborough, Helen Mirren
- Director: Rowan Joffe
- Studio: IFC Films
- Genre: Drama
- Topics: Book Characters
- Run time: 111 minutes
- MPAA rating: R
- MPAA explanation: violence, language and some sexual content
- Last updated: March 18, 2023
Our Editors Recommend
-
Brighton Rock (1948)
Classic British gangster movie has violence, sexism.
-
Quadrophenia
British cult classic has violence, language, drugs, sex.
-
Mona Lisa
Neo-noir British drama has strong language, sex, violence.
For kids who love film adaptations
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate