It’s clear why this movie brought acclaim to both director Mike Leigh and lead actor David Thewlis - from the very first frame the audience is tossed right into the deep end of Johnny’s bleak, borderline nihilist and inexplicably intellectual mind, and there’s absolutely no let up in the entire 2-hour runtime. The alienation and contempt that the characters feel for each other and the world around them is palpable, and it’s a feeling that many modern viewers may empathize with all too well. It’s an excellent film and even though Thewlis’s Johnny repeatedly proves himself to be totally despicable, you can’t help but strap in to see what he gets up to next. 

But I personally don’t see myself watching this ever again - it really was a great film but there were about 3 too many onscreen sexual assaults for my taste 😬