Riot [G.B.H.]

Riot [G.B.H.] is an action-packed, dramatic rollercoaster of a film released in 2017, directed by Simon Phillips, and featuring a rousing ensemble cast including Nick Nevern, Kellie Shirley, and Jenna Harrison.

The movie kicks off in a sun-drenched London, where our protagonist, Damien Brooks (played by superbly talented Nick Nevern), operates. Damien is an earnest and hardworking British cop whose loyalties and responsibility to his job go beyond the norm; law and order is his life. However, his uncompromising commitment faces a challenge when the city he swore to protect is held hostage by a vicious gang of criminals.

Suddenly, London is thrown into chaos. The city known for its iconic double-decker buses and the magnificent Big Ben is replaced by one laden with fear as the gang wreaks havoc on its streets, causing a citywide riot. The gritty atmosphere of a city under siege is felt acutely, amplified by a compelling soundtrack filled with tense beats that resonate with each scene.

Nick Nevern’s performance as brooding detective Damien is one of the standout performances of the film. His portrayal of a lawman fighting off disillusionment and despair, while wrestling personally infectious resolve to restore stability in the city, makes for a compelling character arc. On the other hand, Kellie Shirley brings a warm and relatable performance to counterbalance the grim backdrop of the plot. As a police officer and a close friend of Damien, her character stands as a beacon of hope and compassion in a city stricken by the ruthless disorder.

Jenna Harrison also shines in her role, bringing out the nuances of her character with a perfect balance between assertiveness and empathy. Her character’s complexities, combined with the intense dynamics with nevern's character, add satisfying depth to the overall narrative, instilling emotional richness amidst the high-octane action.

Adding to the thrill of the story is the well-choreographed action sequences, which are both engaging and realistic. The fight scenes are fraught with tension and near-misses that keep the audiences on the edge of their seats, matching the chaotic tone of a city thrust into riot. These well-executed scenes combined with the grimy aesthetic of a distraught cityscape successfully maintain an atmosphere of adrenaline-fueled tension. The clever usage of hand-held camera techniques and quick cuts adds a sense of immediacy to these sequences, thus escalating the pulsating and adrenaline-inducing nature of the action scenes.

In this sea of chaos, the themes of brotherhood, loyalty, and hope are dissected and shone upon by the script. As Damien organizes a team to take down the gangsters, stirring speeches and moments of quiet camaraderie highlight the importance of unity in times of crisis, weaving a narrative of human resilience in the face of adversity.

Aside from an engaging story, Riot [G.B.H.] also offers a feast for the eyes with its cinematography. Moody lighting and creative frames beautifully capture the crumbling landscapes and frenzied crowds, making each frame look like a carefully crafted painting. These stunning visuals combined with a compelling narrative form a gripping encapsulation of a city in crisis.

The juxtaposition of order and chaos, hope and despair, make the movie a significant exploration of societal underpinnings amidst the chaotic background. Beyond its adrenaline-fuelled action sequences and thrilling car chases, Riot [G.B.H.] is a tale about the human spirit’s uncanny ability to endure even in the most challenging situations. It strikes a blend of various film elements - action, drama, and heart - that makes it a unique cinematic experience.

Riot [G.B.H.] is the kind of film that gets your pulse pounding one moment and tugs at your heartstrings the next, seamlessly transitioning between high-octane sequences and emotionally charged moments. It boldly portrays the battle between order and chaos, shining a light on human resilience and unity in the face of crisis. Therefore, it is not just an action-packed movie, but also a profound examination of society, morality, and the indomitable human spirit that lends itself as one of the standout films in its genre. This cinematic gem will undoubtedly appeal to fans of thrilling crime dramas and provocative human stories alike.