Based on a true story, this film depicts the life of a Canadian World War II veteran who becomes a bank robber after being unable to ably support his family in Toronto .
This is a fine film which is highly welcome as it depicts a part of Canadian history in a way that is exciting and informative. It is also nice to see an English Canadian film that has a clear plotline and does not try to draw us in to sympathize with characters who are psychotic for no apparent reason.
Period detail is strong in the depictions of Toronto in the 1950s and 1960s though it was a bit much that every outdoor scene had snow on the ground. This seemed to reinforce a false stereotype of Canadian seasons being winter all year long.
The only other criticism would be that the film's fine storyline could have been enhanced. War flashbacks might have been used to connect Boyd's past with his downfall into a life of crime. The film could have also delved into the past for his family life - expanding on the troubled relationship with his elderly father.
But the directing, acting, and period detail make this film worth seeing regardless.
This is a fine film which is highly welcome as it depicts a part of Canadian history in a way that is exciting and informative. It is also nice to see an English Canadian film that has a clear plotline and does not try to draw us in to sympathize with characters who are psychotic for no apparent reason.
Period detail is strong in the depictions of Toronto in the 1950s and 1960s though it was a bit much that every outdoor scene had snow on the ground. This seemed to reinforce a false stereotype of Canadian seasons being winter all year long.
The only other criticism would be that the film's fine storyline could have been enhanced. War flashbacks might have been used to connect Boyd's past with his downfall into a life of crime. The film could have also delved into the past for his family life - expanding on the troubled relationship with his elderly father.
But the directing, acting, and period detail make this film worth seeing regardless.