Falklands War, despite representing one of the rare British national triumphs in 20th Century, didn’t inspire much enthusiasm among British film makers. Films featuring it were quite rare and when they happened, the war was just a minor and almost forgettable plot detail, like in the case of For Queen & Country, 1988 crime drama directed by Martin Stellman.
The protagonist, played by Denzel Washington, is Reuben James, black soldier in famed 2nd Parachute Battalion of British Army. After the prologue, which features highlights of his decade-long military career, which involved Troubles in Northern Ireland and Falklands campaign, during which his lifelong friend Fish (played by Dorian Haley) lost his leg, plot begins after he ended his service and return to his old neighbourhood of East End of London. Reuben had joined the Army in order to escape poverty and lack of perspective, but soon sees that things haven’t changed and that the neighbourhood is still troubled with drugs, violence and racist police. Some of his old friends like Lynford (played by Geff Francis) are still involved in petty crime, while others, like Colin (played by Bruce Payne) advanced into rich drug bosses. Reuben at first refuses Colin’s offer to serve as his henchman and tries, without much success, to get honest job. He also begins romancing Stacey (played by Amanda Redman), woman living in neighbouring flat. However, he would soon begin to question loyalty to his country when he discovers that, since being born in former British colony of St. Lucia, which in meantime became independent country, government doesn’t considers him to be British citizen. Reuben’s life gets further complicated with the killing of a policeman, which would inadvertently get him involved in simmering conflict between police and his old friends.
For Queen and Country represent the only feature film directed by Martin Stellman, who is better known as author of scripts for Quadrophenia and The Interpreter. It is a clear product of its time and in many ways reflects growing frustration of many British artists and intellectuals with Margaret Thatcher and her policies, which many saw as increasingly authoritarian. Film gives incredibly bleak portrayal of 1980s Britain, with growing social divisions, collapse of welfare state and less fortunate citizens having to endure crime, drugs and police which is either racist, corrupt or incompetent. Stellman’s script pulls no punches when depicting institutional hypocrisy, which allows someone to risk life for the country which in the end won’t treat him as equal citizens. Unfortunately, all this dark picture is in the second half compromised with weak crime plot which is burdened with cliches and unnecessary melodrama that culminates in frustratingly and unconvincingly dark ending. The only thing that elevates this film is superb cast, most notably Denzel Washington, American actor who was at the time willing to show his skills in playing non-American characters. Apart from perfect handling of local accent, Washington plays his character very convincingly, although at the end his efforts are compromised by the script. Amanda Redman, who would later become famous for television series New Tricks is good as his romantic partner, just as Dorian Haley is convincing as his crippled friend. On the other hand, veterans like George Baker and Craig Fairbrass are wasted in one-dimensional roles of policemen. Michael Kamen’s music score is also disappointing, making the film sound cheaper than it actually is. Stellman’s direction is solid and puts London’s housing estates with its cold, claustrophobic architecture, to good use. Although watchable and for the most part interesting, For Queen & Country is disappointing, especially compared with Harry Brown which explored similar themes two decades later.
RATING: 5/10 (++)
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