The trilogy was written by Tony Grisoni, but directed by 3 different directors. Tony Grisoni started off his screenwriting career with "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas", a film not well received by critics, but is living its days as a cult classic. He moved on to do some smaller hit and miss projects, then in 2009 released a popular, well received trio project, the "Red Riding" trilogy. Each is a full length film featuring characters who cycle in and out of each film, with each experiencing their own development. The films are set in Yorkshire, England, during a time of major corruption in the police department. The officers are all together unique, with their own selfish motives, and only some come to confront their darkness. Each film is very good, but altogether a great work.
The first of the film sets the tone for the series, starting off with a huge bang. The film is carried by a grand performance by Andrew Garfield (soon to be in the new Spider-Man reboot). The film is beautifully shot, each scene more interesting than the previous. The story is relentless, pursuing each character's darkness, moving at high rates of speed and as an audience member, you are waiting to see the crash. The film really has no comparison, it isn't like another movie or series. It is set in a time and place in which most Americans aren't familiar with, but incorporates the common police corruption identifiable by all.
Here you see the effects of corruption, on the small and big, the would be innocent and guilty. The story is compelling, you're emotions like a roller-coaster riding apart the track. This is noir, and a mystery that unravels deeper and deeper, then even deeper. There just aren't many good films based on police corruption worth watching, this one is definitely worth it.
It is a powerful film, and by the end, you will want to watch the next 2 immediately. It is a film that feels directed by David Fincher, from the dark sin in "Se7en" to the mystery thriller of "Zodiac". They are all filmed in the same style.
"Red Riding: 1874"
8.5 / 10
"Red Riding: 1980" (2009)
The second of the series is definitely and obviously the least of the three. I believe it is a key piece of the overall story, in showing the continual and more perverse world of the corrupt officers, but does take a step down.
The story is about "The Yorkshire Ripper" who preys on young women of a poor community. A detective arrives to investigate the crimes, and discovers many inconsistencies, then finds himself surrounded by pressure and corrupted officers.
The film is less compelling than the first, but still offers more than enough to hold it's own. The performance is steady and very good in quality, but there is a lacking greater performance where the first and third are strong. Still, I believe the film carries itself slowly but surely to the finish line, right into the great finish of the third installment.
"Red Riding: 1980"
7 / 10
"Red Riding: 1983" (2009)
The final chapter in the "Red Riding" trilogy hits closer to home than the rest. The third film hits on the more sensitive issues surrounding the more than decade long corruption. I make an attempt to harbor all spoilers, so the effects of the film is delivered fully to it's viewer.
An officer who is in all three films, is now in position to make key decisions. He can aid his fellow officers, who he has grown extensive relationships with, or he can dig up enough compassion to expose the truth no matter the cost. The final film brings the series together, giving much needed remedies to open wounds in the story. I admire the idea of 4 large stories being told, and taking 3 films to do it. I love the styles used, the performances, the films are standout great pieces of work.
"Red Riding: 1983"
8 / 10
For a serious fan of film, this series is a must see. Whether you want performance, a lesson in how to tell a story, or an example of great cinematography, you will enjoy this series.
The "Red Riding" Trilogy
9 / 10
