Deacon Brodie

Amazon.com

Scandal rocked Edinburgh in 1788 when town councillor William Deacon Brodie's secret life of drinking, gambling, theft, and whoring was revealed following his botched attempt to steal a fortune from the city's customs and excise offices. Produced for the BBC and based on a true story, this Scottish adventure has all the elements of a great historical thriller--theft, treachery, romance, revenge, and scandalous revelations. Despite being a day late and a dollar short for everything but his own execution, Brodie (Billy Connolly) makes a surprisingly affable protagonist who, in the end, will win over even the most cold-hearted viewers. In fact, the revelation of antagonist Bailie Creech's even more objectionable depravities makes Brodie seem almost angelic in comparison. While not overly graphic visually, the story may not be thematically appropriate for all viewers because it includes larceny, prostitution, pedophilia, and death by hanging. Overall, it's an excellent production featuring strong performances, evocative costumes, and Dolby Surround sound. The pervasive understated Highland sense of humor and Brodie's charmingly flawed character make Deacon Brodie a must-see. --Tara Chace

Customer Reviews:

excellent.......2007-09-06

This is a really good Period Drama. Very nicely photographed and easy to follow. Grab some popcorn, sit back and enjoy the movie!

A Mediocre Movie That Should Have Been Better.......2007-04-29

Sorry, but I'm not even going to waste my time doing a scene by scene analysis. I bought this movie because I love Billy Connelly and have, in the past, found him to be extremely funny -- in the John Cleese sense and beyond -- in everything I've ever seen him in. Even in "Mrs. Brown," Connelly's edgy, wild nature comes through that staid character.

But not here.

No, here I was quite disappointed. Despite the occasional HINT of his humorous approach to life and the world, the director stupidly failed to take advantage of Connelly's vitality and incredibly wonderful, soul-shaking sense of humor.

So should you see this film? Yes. Should you buy it? Sure...used.

DVD:

DVD

DVD