We Still Kill the Old Way

In the gritty, atmospheric film 'We Still Kill the Old Way', director Julius Grimm delves into the world of aging London gangsters, men who have lived by a code of violence and intimidation for years, and examine the consequences of their actions when they find themselves pushed to the edge. The story centers around Vic Vickery, a former gangster played by Ian 'H' Watkins, who is struggling to come to terms with the decline of his criminal empire. The streets that once brought him wealth and power now seem to mock him, their younger, more ruthless inhabitants eager to claim the territory for themselves. The fragile balance of power is disrupted when one of Vic's loyal associates, Tony, is brutally murdered by a street gang known as the 'Liberators'. The act is a calculated insult, a message to Vic and his crew that they are no longer the feared enforcers of the streets. The killing sparks a bitter reaction within Vic's group, who are faced with a choice: retreat into obscurity and leave the violence of the streets behind, or take up arms and avenge their fallen comrade. The decision to pursue revenge comes from a deep-seated sense of loyalty to Tony and a primal hatred for the Liberators. As the film unfolds, Vic and his crew go on a vigilante killing spree, targeting the men who committed the heinous crime. They are driven by a mix of motives - anger, loyalty, and a desire for revenge - but their actions are guided by a twisted sense of morality that sees justice as a matter of personal vendetta. However, the stakes are high, and the consequences of their actions are far-reaching. The police are alerted to the gang's activities, and a detective is tasked with bringing them to justice. Meanwhile, the Liberators are not about to take the beating lying down, and a deadly game of cat and mouse ensues. The film's tone is bleak and unflinching, mirroring the harsh realities of life on the streets. There are no clear heroes or villains, only individuals driven by their own set of circumstances and motivations. Vic is a complex, nuanced character, a product of the system he once helped to perpetuate. As the body count rises, Vic's own morality is slowly eroded, and he becomes increasingly isolated from the world around him. His relationships with his loved ones begin to fray, and the very fabric of his existence is torn apart. In a final, desperate bid for justice, Vic and his crew launch a daring and suicidal attack on the Liberators' hideout. The film's climax is intense and visceral, a heart-pumping sequence that leaves the viewer gasping for breath. It's a fitting conclusion to a story that's been unfolding on a trajectory of revenge and retaliation, and a testament to the enduring power of the gangs that once ruled the streets. In 'We Still Kill the Old Way', Grimm sheds light on the darker aspects of British gang culture, revealing a world of violence, intimidation, and loyalty that's far removed from the slick, glamourized portrayals often found in Hollywood films. It's a gritty, unflinching look at the human cost of gang violence and the devastating consequences of letting hate and anger consume us.