The Offence

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S R Saw it because it was on my Time Out BBF list. It was on Pluto. Now I know why I never saw this bizarre film. The plot was filled with gaps and poor motivations, despite it being interesting initially. It took awhile to get to the real issue of the psyche of Connery's character, but when it was there I finally saw what was alluded to as being good. Sadly, the rest didn't make up for its contrivances and tacky dialogue. I don't plan to see it again. Rated 1.5/5 Stars •  Rated 1.5 out of 5 stars 10/22/24 Full Review Jelisije J A off paced film that gives you a great intriguing character in Sean Connery as a detective of the british police force that has a dark twisted secret.....if the first half of this movie was as good as the last 30 minutes then this would be a bona fide classic. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 01/11/24 Full Review Peter G You hopefully found my comments from a few minutes ago. Anyway, this may be Connery's most powerful dramatic performance. He & Lumet worked together several times & although this film is not for everyone it's disturbing impact registers strongly with me. THE OFFENSE remains a powerful & disturbing experience & understandably a number of viewers then could not deal with its intense portrait of a psychologically impaired police officer who goes off the rails while interrogating a criminal suspect. This film following directly after DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER was, for many, a shock due to Connery‘s repellent character. The character played superbly by Ian Bannan would arose almost anyone's suspicions but his actual guilt remains uncertain & Connery‘s violent reaction to him reveals even more about the officer‘s psyche than it does the suspect. Vivien Merchant as Connery‘s long suffering & unloved wife is affecting & Trevor Howard as Connery‘ superior is vivid as well. This was one of Lumet‘s several fine films that did not, IMO, receive the recognition it deserved & showcases his formidable abilities in directing his actors. Right up to his last film, BEFORE THE DEVIL KNOWS YOUR DEAD, which is an even greater achievement, Lumet demonstrated these qualities & perhaps will be best remembered because of these virtues. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/19/23 Full Review Rami A If I were in Sean Connery's shoes, I'd be just as ominous and forceful as he was in this movie. Rated 3.5/5 Stars •  Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars 10/11/23 Full Review Martin B Decide to watch this movie, you'll see some great actors doing some of the most intense scenes you'll ever see but prepare yourself for a psychological downer. A broken cop with hidden deviant thoughts. Made worse by not being able to compartmentalize the horrors he sees on the job from his homelife. An hour and 52 minutes of pure pain and horrible behavior. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 02/22/23 Full Review Audience Member Brilliant,dark,atmospheric,worthwatching for Ian Bannens performance alone. Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 01/15/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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