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For Queen and Country

Play trailer Poster for For Queen and Country R Released May 19, 1988 1h 45m Drama Play Trailer Watchlist
Watchlist Tomatometer Popcornmeter
29% Tomatometer 14 Reviews 28% Popcornmeter 1,000+ Ratings
When Reuben James (Denzel Washington), a decorated paratrooper, is discharged from the British military, he returns to his old neighborhood in London's inner city. Despite his upstanding military career, James struggles to find gainful employment in the face of racism and corruption, while navigating the crime and poverty rampant in the city. His situation only worsens when his girlfriend, Stacey (Amanda Redman), leaves him. Pushed further toward the edge, James decides to take a stand.

Critics Reviews

View All (14) Critics Reviews
Kurt Jacobsen Chicago Reader For Queen & Country ends with a gratuitous and silly bang, which may be a slight improvement on the (sometimes charming) whimpers with which British films customarily end. Then again, maybe not. Rated: 2/4 May 11, 2022 Full Review Empire Magazine A jolly caper it isn't, but for gritty thrills and powerful drama, it delivers. Rated: 3/5 May 21, 2013 Full Review Jonathan Rosenbaum Chicago Reader Effective radical agitprop, relentless in its anger, this film is more outspoken about contemporary racism in England than any other feature that comes to mind. May 21, 2013 Full Review TV Guide Well-intentioned but overreaching. Rated: 2/4 May 21, 2013 Full Review David Sterritt Christian Science Monitor Denzel Washington gives a forceful performance as the black protagonist, but the story sinks into mere cops-and-robbers melodrama after a while. May 21, 2013 Full Review Candice Russell South Florida Sun-Sentinel Artfully directed and acted, For Queen & Country errs by overstating its case. May 21, 2013 Full Review Read all reviews

Audience Reviews

View All (47) audience reviews
Laurie S I thought Washington's performance was terrific. He got the English accent down to a 'T'. It's always a sign of a great actor when they can learn different accents. Chris Hemsworth did this in Rush. Anyone who gives a score below 3 and reveals spoilers is a bellend. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 09/29/23 Full Review Steve D The script is too slow and obvious. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 02/26/23 Full Review jelisije j A man who is constantly being pushed both mentally and physically by the people of the country who he fought for and is making him choose sides in his old neighborhood. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 03/31/23 Full Review Audience Member I never thought I would say this I didn't think it possible, Denzel has a duff movie. Unfortunately despite a potentially good story line/plot with a worthy subject matter, it just doesn't work. I was confused right from the beginning and I think Denzel was too ! The accent is totally distracting and cringe, he tried so hard but no ( needed more coaching in how to sound like a real black man from london) and I think his acting struggles as a result he just looked and sounded uncomfortable and awkward. And yes it was a slow, bit boring film, and a bit low budget too lol, well looks like Denzel stayed in his lane from then on at least accent wise. Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Audience Member Though this crime drama film has many flaws (Washington's laughable accent, plodding narrative, poor production in areas and some bad acting from the supporting cast) it does nonetheless hit quite hard with the themes it tackles and the era upon which it is set. There is also some decent action and despite the shoddy accent Washington is likable enough as a lead and you can wholly sympathise with his character and what he faces. Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/18/23 Full Review Audience Member This is quite a pointless movie. The idea is OK, but it just doesn't go anywhere. Denzel Washington is completely wrong for the lead role, and the other main characters are simply one-dimensional stereotypes. Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/26/23 Full Review Read all reviews
For Queen and Country

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For Queen and Country

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Movie Info

Synopsis When Reuben James (Denzel Washington), a decorated paratrooper, is discharged from the British military, he returns to his old neighborhood in London's inner city. Despite his upstanding military career, James struggles to find gainful employment in the face of racism and corruption, while navigating the crime and poverty rampant in the city. His situation only worsens when his girlfriend, Stacey (Amanda Redman), leaves him. Pushed further toward the edge, James decides to take a stand.
Director
Martin Stellman
Producer
Tim Bevan
Screenwriter
Martin Stellman, Trix Worrell
Distributor
Atlantic Releasing Corp.
Rating
R
Genre
Drama
Original Language
English
Release Date (Theaters)
May 19, 1988, Original
Release Date (DVD)
Aug 1, 2006
Box Office (Gross USA)
$62.8K
Runtime
1h 45m