Detroit

[yogi]

Kathryn Bigelow directs John Boyega in a stunningly shot story of disturbing police brutality and civil unrest in 1960s Detroit

[yogi]

Saw this yesterday and it's a technically accomplished recreation of a shocking event from recent American history.

There are lots of moments of tension and horror and all the actors are on top form, but I think ultimately it was a bit less than the sum of its parts.

It wrestles with showing the scale and ramifications of the riots whilst also focusing on individual characters and events and this left it a bit overlong. The last 20 minutes for one could probably have been replaced by text or a short epilogue.

It's impossible not to see the parallels with what's happened in America recently, but I think other films or documentaries have had more impact for me. 7/10

[CtheG84]

I have heard a mixed bag on Detroit but will definitely pop on a review when I get a chance. I was told this week that its an emotional rollercoaster that's well worth the 3 hour running time?

[alythonian]

It is an emotional rollercoaster and it doesnt hide the bad stuff. It's emotional and gut wrenching. The three hours passed quite normally, it didn't rush or drag. I'm glad I saw it.

[raj101]

slow at beginning but you know its going to kick off soon, and it does half and hour in. Though its pretty much like every civil rights era movie thats been made, it doesnt mean its not shocking as hell.

4 stars.

[fillumboy2]

There needs to be a new category of film that isn't "Horror" - but is "Tension" or "Dread".

At times this is almost unwatchable - in the good sense - so unbearable is slow ratcheting up of real personal fear, you almost want to watch between your fingers.

The performances all round are incredible. Didn't even realise it was Will Poulter for ages.

Had no idea until the end that this was bases on a real incident.

The saddest thing, given recent events in the US, was realising that this took place fifty years ago and how little has changed in many ways.

[fraz]

Despite the long run time I was never bored by Detroit. It was a powerful depiction of a shocking event in a terrible time.

It bothers me a bit that none of the group wanted to speak to the police when they took over the hotel. Why not just tell them it wasn't a real gun, one person had already died so why keep it quiet, it just felt a bit silly. Also, John Boyega's characters motivation is baffling. Although he might not actually see anyone dying, he could totally corroborate the abuse from police during the trial.

Well worth a watch. 7/10