Common Sense Media Review
By Danny Brogan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Violent, profane, but entertaining British gangster movie.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 17+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
The Corrupted
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
Set in London, THE CORRUPTED finds Liam McDonagh (Sam Claflin) recently released from prison and determined to win back the trust of his wife and son. But unbeknownst to Liam, his brother Sean (Joe Claflin) has become involved with shady crime figure Clifford Cullen (Timothy Spall). Dragged back into London's criminal underworld, Liam must now protect his family from Cullen's thugs -- as well as a corrupt police force.
Is It Any Good?
Fans of gritty gangster movies will find plenty to enjoy in this fast-paced, action-packed film. Set in a deliberately moody London, The Corrupted has bloody violence, shady deals, dirty police officers, chase scenes, and double-crossing. It has a B-movie charm with an A-list cast -- all of whom are clearly enjoying themselves. Sam Claflin is cast against type but puts in a believable performance as ex-con Liam, who finds himself back in a world he's desperate to escape. The story is dominated by a male presence -- which, when you have the likes of Star Wars: Episode IX - The Rise of Skywalker's Naomi Ackie -- seems a waste. But Spall in particular is in fine form as crime lord Clifford Cullen and is ably supported by Noel Clarke and Hugh Bonneville.
The amount of double-crossing that occurs throughout the movie means that eventually it's a surprise when someone doesn't turn out to be corrupt, and some may feel cheated by the film's conclusion. But while not in the same league, The Corrupted is an admiring hat tip to classic British gangster movies such as The Long Good Friday and Get Carter.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the violence in The Corrupted. How did it make you feel? Was it thrilling or shocking? Are there any consequences? Why is that important?
The police in the movie are generally corrupt. How did that make you feel? Why is it important that people be able to trust the police?
Discuss the strong language used in the movie. Do you think it was necessary to the story?
What did you think to the ending of the movie? Were you satisfied by it?
Movie Details
- In theaters : January 10, 2020
- On DVD or streaming : February 11, 2020
- Cast : Sam Claflin , Timothy Spall , Hugh Bonneville
- Director : Ron Scalpello
- Studio : Saban Films
- Genre : Drama
- Run time : 103 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : strong bloody violence, language throughout, and brief drug use
- Last updated : September 6, 2022
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