Let Him Have It

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Alec B @Alec97 02/20/2024 Effectively tragic, likely because Medak keeps the focus on the family and Eccleston (who gives a terrific performance) even as the wheels of injustice spin around them. See more 03/26/2022 Effectively tragic, likely because Medak keeps the focus on the family and Eccleston (who gives a terrific performance) even as the wheels of injustice spin around them. See more dave s @RT68722908 02/13/2022 Christopher Eccleston portrays Derek Bentley, the nineteen-year-old unjustly convicted of murder and sentenced to hang for a crime he did not commit. Based on actual events, Peter Medak's Let Him Have It is an effective and passionate screed against the death penalty. Set in 1952, Bentley, an illiterate man with the mentality of an eleven-year-old, was convicted on the flimsiest of evidence, including the misinterpretation of the Bentley's phrase ‘let him have it' prior to his partner shooting a police officer. Inexplicably overlooked for many years, the film features a remarkable debut performance from Eccleston, effective direction from the equally overlooked Medak (the opening and closing shots are fantastic), and muted color tones that help capture an early ‘50s vibe. It's an impactful film that may cause those who support state-sanctioned murder to reconsider their views. See more samuel l @RT76616206 12/06/2021 A mixed bag. More of an old BBC TV show feel than a standalone film. The true story plot deserved to be told due to the outcome, but the first half was excessively dry and slow, there were a few unnecessary scenes, the court and prison portion was arguably dragged out, most of the characters, including the main character, were unlikeable, various side characters were abandoned, the action felt silly, the main gangster boy was overacted, the cinematography is now bland, grainy, and dated, and the soundtrack was unmemorable. However, some of the acting was well done, the visual effects hold up enough, and the sets/props/costumes looked believable. The message could have been delivered better, but it was a nice try. See more 11/03/2014 brilliant performance by Christopher Eccleston See more 06/19/2014 A Brilliant portrayal of the Death Penalty in 50's England--The shocking true tale of a miscarriage of justice that will forever stain the honor of the British legal system... A wonderful piece of work- riveting and unsettling!! See more Read all reviews

Let Him Have It

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