MattyGibbs This is one of my favourite films. OK it isn't deep and it's all been done before but it is engrossing and entertaining throughout. What lifts the film above most crime thrillers is the brilliant British cast. Robert Caryle is extremely charismatic in this role and he is given stellar support by Ray Winstone, Lena Headley, Sue Johnston and a very impressive Philip Davis. Even Blur front-man Damon Albarn makes an appearance.The film moves along at a cracking pace, there is a well done and bloody shootout and there is a nice twist. The final scene is beautifully done and is enhanced by the Longpigs brilliant 'On and On'.A really enjoyable film for those that like gangster films with a bit of heart.

popcorncharlie I saw Face at the cinema on Leicester Square upon release. I strongly agree with previous reviews that this movie was definitely overlooked at the cinema, which is strange as it has a strong cast. I have only seen this movie shown on TV once and the DVD is quite hard to find in the US. Face contains solid performances from a cast that features many famous actors, plus some very familiar faces from British TV and lower budget movies. The movie has great, realistic, believable script, with a twisty plot that keeps you entertained to the last scene. One of Robert Carlyle best performances, plus Ray Winstone (as ever) and even Damon Albarn are on great form. Portrays a very gritty side of London, in the rain. Highly recommended for anyone who is a fan of the British crime genre, not to be missed! 8 out of 10!

Graham Watson That might sound FACEtious however, to some extent Carlyle plays a similar sort of character who is unable to hold down a regular job. (Carlyle always has a look of total anxiety, as if he just opened up a tax audit it from the Inland Revenue). He is believable as Ray a gun welding crook , not a phyco path, but a former lefty who got fed up supporting fringe left-wing causes with nothing to show for it. He decides to earn a living the old fashioned way — 'by stealing it'! Ray struggles to balance a relationship with his mother, girlfriend as well as being troubled by his conscience about what he does. He does not particularly enjoy doing what he does and often wonders if it's worth it baring in mind he has done time in prison.It has the typical big robbery near the beginning where they have just two minutes to get in and out of the security complex, the obligatory 'have a go hero' guard who gets pistol whipped and then the escape. Much to the despair of the gang although they get a reasonable amount of cash by the time they take out expenses and split it 5 ways there not a lot to show for it. Was their poultry whack worth the risk for a 15 year stretch? To make matters worse and more complicated the tables are turned when the money is actually stolen from the gang, presumably by somebody who knows the routine and the gangs movements. Everybody suspects everybody else and Ray desperately tries to hold the gang together despite finger pointing, blame as well as trying to evade the police who are on to them. The next part of the film unfolds around betrayal, double crossing, desperation, evading capture and greed.The cast is good, Ray Winston does his usual, Damien Albarn tries to look tough, the weaselly nutter played by Philip Davis is entertaining and Steve Waddington plays a heavy that loves comics and is totally dependent on Ray for guidance . It's also good to see British veteran character Peter Vaughan no stranger to playing a crook , plus longtime downtrodden Brookside housewife Sue Johnson still rallying to left wing cause as Rays weary but devoted mum.Apart from the robbery there is a couple of big shoot outs, tension, a mystery, treachery and a couple of odd twists which keep up your interest. The conclusion of the movie is probably well balanced in the end most of the unlikable characters get what's coming to them! Despite possible flaws the cast certainly hold the movie together and it's well worth a watch!(Note: the greasy Irish junkie at the beginning was played by none other Gerry Conlon former Guildford bombing suspect whose conviction was quashed a number of years ago.)

whoissam In 1997, I was 8 years younger and could only appreciate the soundtrack my parents bought straight after seeing this astonishing film. How come didn't I think about watching it before? I don't know. See, it was only by coming across to it on TV lately, that I got to realize how much emotion you can get from a simple movie. Face is where you see incredible braveness shining in a gray, heavy, wet atmosphere. It is when you get the sensation you are part of a story so bad you cannot even remember your own identity, and the only thing that matters is the group you are following. i would say that Face is a moment in your life you spend nowhere, a moment, alone in a lifetime, that you can even not measure precisely. No seriously, it gets inside you , no matter what time in the day and never leaves you until you hear the wonderful "standing in your shadow" song of the end. An amazing time ,thanks to a bunch of charismatic actors and a great Andrea...