Jane D
Again after many years, it holds up beautifully like fine craftsmanship. Character drives this compelling and tragic true story.
Rated 5/5 Stars •
Rated 5 out of 5 stars
03/20/24
Full Review
Alec B
Effectively tragic, likely because Medak keeps the focus on the family and Eccleston (who gives a terrific performance) even as the wheels of injustice spin around them.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/20/24
Full Review
liam s
I'm flabbergasted, absolutely speechless; this film takes a little while to warm up to, but once you do, it's a fantastic thriller loaded with crime, action, and drama. In the film, they all twisted, moved, and whirled about. The writers get a major bonus point. In the film, Christopher Eccelson, who now portrays the doctor in doctor who, does a fantastic job. Despite the fact that he is in his early twenties and portrays a 19-year-old. The court system employed in 1950s-style England is quite realistic. It's even down to the wigs they wear in court. Allow him to have it is a must-see film. It may or may not appeal to you.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
04/29/22
Full Review
Audience Member
Effectively tragic, likely because Medak keeps the focus on the family and Eccleston (who gives a terrific performance) even as the wheels of injustice spin around them.
Rated 4/5 Stars •
Rated 4 out of 5 stars
02/13/23
Full Review
dave s
Christopher Eccleston portrays Derek Bentley, the nineteen-year-old unjustly convicted of murder and sentenced to hang for a crime he did not commit. Based on actual events, Peter Medak's Let Him Have It is an effective and passionate screed against the death penalty. Set in 1952, Bentley, an illiterate man with the mentality of an eleven-year-old, was convicted on the flimsiest of evidence, including the misinterpretation of the Bentley's phrase ‘let him have it' prior to his partner shooting a police officer. Inexplicably overlooked for many years, the film features a remarkable debut performance from Eccleston, effective direction from the equally overlooked Medak (the opening and closing shots are fantastic), and muted color tones that help capture an early ‘50s vibe. It's an impactful film that may cause those who support state-sanctioned murder to reconsider their views.
Rated 4.5/5 Stars •
Rated 4.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
samuel l
A mixed bag. More of an old BBC TV show feel than a standalone film. The true story plot deserved to be told due to the outcome, but the first half was excessively dry and slow, there were a few unnecessary scenes, the court and prison portion was arguably dragged out, most of the characters, including the main character, were unlikeable, various side characters were abandoned, the action felt silly, the main gangster boy was overacted, the cinematography is now bland, grainy, and dated, and the soundtrack was unmemorable. However, some of the acting was well done, the visual effects hold up enough, and the sets/props/costumes looked believable. The message could have been delivered better, but it was a nice try.
Rated 2.5/5 Stars •
Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars
03/30/23
Full Review
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