Bonded by Blood and Malicious Intent: A Movie Review ~ 28DLA

*Full disclosure: a DVD screener of this film was supplied by Revolver Entertainment.

Director/writer: Sacha Bennett.

Bonded by Blood is loosely based on a group murder carried out December, 1995. The three killed were Patrick Tate, Craig Rolfe and Tony Tucker, each a drug dealer. These villains have been immortalized unjustly in three films, which include: The Essex Boys (2000), Rise of the Foot Soldier (2007) and now Bonded by Blood (2011). Likely killed by Jack Whomes and Michael Steele, who remain in prison, Bonded by Blood covers a detestable subject (drug dealing), with little depth. Revolver Entertainment will distribute this title on DVD February 1st and this film is really only for those who enjoy watching gangland styled films, as there is no positive moral tale here.

Many may have heard the story of The Intercity Firm and their coke induced exploits, but for those who have not - here is a summary. The three killed and mentioned above ran an ecstasy supply business in and around London. Thugs and miscreants, these three would peddle a lethal product to drug users, while racking up millions of dollars. Their scandalous behaviour would be rewarded by shotgun blasts to the head and chest, by still further, more ruthless drug dealers.

Director Sacha Bennett is mostly known for his acting abilities and he has starred in another true story called The Libertine. Here, his choice in film is questionable. Most readers will not be able to identify with the villains in the film, nor empathize. So, tackling the Essex Boys in film for a third time will not draw huge audiences. Those who respect the drug dealing lifestyle might want to revisit Darren Aronofsky's Requiem for a Dream, for stronger, more positive, but harder to swallow messages.

Of note, the acting from Tamer Hassan (The Last Seven) as Pat Tate is welcomed, but horror fans looking for scares or gore will have to invest close to seventy minutes before seeing anything of substance. Hassan is usually paired with his sidekick Danny Dyer, yet the Little Big Smoke does not appear in this United Kingdom film venture. What does show is lots of info' on how to run your own drug dealing business, or how to spend the winnings e.g. drugs, guns, strippers. Where is the deeper, underlining message?

This is one question that lingered and writer Bennett only proposes two possible answers, or maybe three. Option one follows: drug dealing is exciting, but full of consequences; option two states: murder and revenge via buckshot is okay, in some instances. A third option might endorse testifying against others in your criminal organization, when pressured. But, all three options are equally shallow.

The problem lies in the choice of narrator, Darren Nicholls played by Adam Deacon (Shank). Nicholls testified against Jack Whomes and Michael Steele, but his role in The Firm was minimal. Narrating the story of Bonded by Blood from the side of one of criminal's family members would have had greater dramatic impact. These are the people left behind by the violence and malicious activity.

This is a hard film to recommend, as technically there are few flaws in the execution of the film; however, the shaky message brings down the ship on this one, like an over-weighted anchor. To show on DVD February 1st, whether this reviewer likes it or not, Bonded by Blood is geared towards a small audience, who might not be fully satisfied with Bennett's results.

Acting/believability/characterizations: 7.5 out of 10 (Dave Legeno not given enough screen time, where did he come from all of a sudden).
Message/moral message/insights: 4 out of 10 (there is not one here).
Writing/story: 5 out of 10 (not enough complexity here, also it is like choosing one despicable character over an even more villainous character, where is the win there?).

Overall: 5.5 out of 10 (pass on this title and choose Rise of the Foot Soldier, which is a more personal accounting of this situation).

*made by Gateway Films, fo $4 million. This company also made the much better Shank:

Shank Reviewed Here

The film's official North American website is here, with trailer:

Bonded by Blood Official Website

The film's fan page is listed here:

Bonded by Blood on Facebook

A full listing of DVD special features for this title is listed at Revolver Entertainment. Extras include commentaries, interviews, a behind the scenes featurette, B-roll footage and more:

Bonded by Blood at Revolver

All of the films made of the misdealings of The Essex Boys are below. Some are higher quality than others, so some research will get you more bang for your buck:

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