Just a normal bloke that likes a bit of torture (Chopper (DVD))

Member Name: smoothgroover22

Product:	Chopper (DVD)
Date:	08/08/09 (22 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Based loosely on the life of Mark "Chopper" Read, played by Eric Bana

Disadvantages: Definately a lads only movie, not suitable for kids

Chopper is a movie loosely based on the life of a former Australian criminal turned celebrity/author/recording and performance artist, Mark "Chopper" Read. In the movie, Chopper is played by Eric Bana, who Read himself suggested that he play the character of "Chopper".

The movie is set between the late 1970s and the early 1990s.

== The Plot ==

In and out of jail since he was 16, Chopper kidnaps a judge to get his mate Jimmy out of the notorious "H Division" of Pentridge Prison in Melbourne but fails and is sentenced to 16.5 years in prison himself. He is sent to the same prison as Jimmy and trys to become a 'leader' of the division which sparks fury amongst the other inmates rather than gathering followers.

On his release from prison, he finds that his girlfriend Tanya (a prostitute) has been having an affair with one of his victims, a guy called Neville Bartos. Once Chopper has gone after Bartos (much to the displeasure of the police, who Chopper thinks has given him the go-ahead to "exterminate scum" from the streets of Melbourne such as Bartos), Chopper finds himself the target of a contract killing...

== My Thoughts ==

I won't say any more about the plot as I don't want to ruin it for people, but what I will say is that basically the movie follows Chopper's life in (and his release out of) prison.

I think the actors have done a brilliant job in this movie, from their actual acting through to their use of the fashion styles of Australia at the time (for example the funky 70s moustaches on some police detectives)!

The DVD includes an interview with Read himself, and you can also watch a version of the movie narrated by Read (although certain things that are shown in the movie he does not confirm or deny doing in real life, I assume to not incriminate himself).

This movie is definately not suitable for kids with the amount of violence and swearing in it, but if you are into non mainstream films and can handle violent and gore scenes in movies (i.e. Reservoir Dogs for example) then you might want to buy it!

Chopper is one of those infamous members of Australian society like Ned Kelly for example who will always be remembered in history.

Summary: You'll be hooked if you're into non-mainstream Hollywood blockbusters