For Queen & Country (1989)
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31% of critics liked it
(13 reviews) -
37% of users liked it
(2,257 ratings)
With a cruel, keen edge, this taut social drama slices deeply into Thatcher's England to expose a grim underbelly of racism, cynicism and despair. Reuben James is a black paratrooper who has spent the last nine years serving in the British army and who finally gets discharged to return to his… More With a cruel, keen edge, this taut social drama slices deeply into Thatcher's England to expose a grim underbelly of racism, cynicism and despair. Reuben James is a black paratrooper who has spent the last nine years serving in the British army and who finally gets discharged to return to his home in South London. There he discovers that the residents have been ravaged by the poverty of the decade and many have turned to crime to survive, while others do their best in the midst of crushing hopelessness to find order and meaning. He too fights the same battles as he struggles to find work. He is disillusioned to discover that to racist employers, his sterling service record is almost worthless. The poor veteran suffers a final blow when he learns that because he was born on the common-wealth island of St. Lucia, and because the laws have suddenly changed, he is no longer considered a British citizen. Now he must quickly make a decision about the rest of his life. Meanwhile, back in the neighborhood, tempers fray, frustration mounts and violence ensues. ~ Sandra Brennan, Rovi
- Directed By
- Martin Stellman
- Genres
- Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense
R,
- In Theaters
- May 19, 1989 Wide
Critic Reviews
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Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader
Effective radical agitprop, relentless in its anger, this film is more outspoken about contemporary racism in England than any other feature that comes to mind.
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Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune
This is a serious subject, and worthy of a serious journalistic report. That is not, however, what For Queen and Country is.
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Stephen Garrett, Time Out
The choice of Washington doesn't help: he isn't bad in the part, but his accent strays absurdly. More worrying is the often corny plotting, the by now tired-looking exploitation of Broadwater violence, and a preposterous shootout ending.
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Caryn James, New York Times
In a terrifically subtle and powerful performance, Mr. Washington is true to the modest, struggling man he plays. His expression registers restrained anger and much confusion.
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Rita Kempley, Washington Post
For Queen & Country is suspense-free, a laboriously paced look at the poor man's impotence in an unjust society.
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Cast
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Denzel Washington
as Reuben James
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Amanda Redman
as Stacey
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George Baker
as Kilcoyne
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Bruce Payne
as Colin
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Geff Francis
as Lynford
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Stella Gonet
as Debbie
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Sean Chapman
as Rob
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Valerie Chassigneaux
as French Girl
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Stewart Harwood
as Cab Office Owner
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Suzette Llewellyn
as Girl with Bull Terrier
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Brian McDermott
as Harry
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Beverly Michaels
as Party Girl
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Chris Pitt
as Chris
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Tatiana Strauss
as French Girl #1
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Paul McKenzie
as Sean
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Charlie Appleby
as Fairground Stallholder
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Dan Armour
as Drunken Man
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Michael Bray
as Bryant
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Judith Conyers
as Girl
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Carlton Dixon
as Stylee
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Craig Fairbrass
as Challoner
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James Harkishin
as Sadiq
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Frank Harper
as Mickey
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Shaheen Khan
as Party Girl
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Debbie Killingback
as Girl
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Joginder Singh Lal
as Sikh Minder
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Jo Martin
as Pearl
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Peter McNamara
as Pete
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Graham McTavish
as Lieutenant
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Lisa O'Connor
as Hayley
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Anselm Peters
as Oscar
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Alison Rowley
as Party Girl
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Mike Smart
as Peelhead
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Peter Spraggon
as Landlord
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Ken Stott
as Civil Servant
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Colin Thomas
as Feargal
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James Warrior
as LEB Man
