Get Carter (1971) ****1/2

A grittily realistic working class drama with an unrelentingly dark streak of humor and an absolute bastard of a protagonist, Get Carter (1971) is one bleak and grimy gangster picture. Director Mike Hodges—in his theatrical feature debut—takes his time setting up an explosive finale in this fantastic, fatalistic revenge flick. The 70s truly were a special time for crime cinema. 

Recommended for fans of Dirty Harry (1971), The French Connection (1971), Point Blank (1967) (review), and The Long Good Friday (1980).