The Debt Collector (1999)

I'll tell you why so serious

A Masterpiece!

A Disappointing Continuation

It’s fine. It's literally the definition of a fine movie. You’ve seen it before, you know every beat and outcome before the characters even do. Only question is how much escapism you’re looking for.

Deciding whose side you're on whilst watching The Debt Collector isn't easy. Hicky Dryden (Billy Connolly) is certainly a low-life ex- criminal who has left scars on many people during his career as a collector for the shadier side of loan sharking but, in his older years, he is a changed man (well, until aggravated). He is married to a lovely wife (Francesca Annis) who isn't totally aware of his past - although she knows a bit - but takes him as she has him now.Unfortunately, there is a cop, Gary Keltie (Ken Stott) who has a very long memory and a somewhat over-zealous desire to see justice done for many of Nicky's victims. There are times when you sympathise with Keltie and want to see Nicky get his and then there are times when you want him to fail.Good luck understanding some of the Scottish brogue during this movie (you may need subtitles) although the language of the underworld is pretty universal. Ultimately, both Nicky and Gary's outcomes are more determined by others that they are by themselves - but I'll let you find all that out on your own.

I rated this film a 6 due to the fact I only seen it ten years after its release. I had read the reviews and expected a lot more than the film delivered. If I had not read the glowing reviews I would have probably would have rated it higher. The raw story of a reformed former debt collector (Billy Connolly) and obsessive police officer(Ken Stott)who wants to give the now successful former villain a hard time. He pushes the boundaries of the law and events happen due to his obsession. Then you get the villain worshiping teenager who idolizes the former gangster(Connolly). He wants to prove himself and make a name for himself. As you may expect the end to the wannabe gangster is inevitable. There is some good hardcore violence scenes in this movie which could have been worked more. Connolly and Stott play two excellent roles and the casting is well suited for the characters.This movie is without a doubt worth a watch if you like the Lock Stock violent type of movie.It is a raw film but for me I would of liked to see more of the rawness come through.Give it a go. Especially now it is in the weekly section of the Video store.

This movie really jumps away from your usual good guy bad guy characters for this genre of film. It places Nickie Dryden's character in a position where the viewer doesn't know weather to like him or not. The movie can be a little disturbing at times, but the performances by the main actors are marvelous. Billy Connely really sets a standard of good acting in this piece, and it demonstrates how broad his profile really is, ranging from brilliant comidian to this sometimes dark and un-questionable character in The Debt Collector.

This is an oddity: a British film that doesn't trade on its Britishness, instead relying on its strong plot and themes to carry it along. Billy Connolly's and Ken Stott's performances contrast pleasingly, the former underplaying his hopefully-reformed murderer, and the latter foaming at the mouth with the sheer excesses of his anger.The film touches on themes of forgiveness, justice and obsession, but lays no claim to easy solutions, instead trying its hardest to give a hard time to all involved. Forgive but don't forget would seem to be the message.Unfortunately, its fast pace sometimes swamps opportunities for true character development. At times saddening, at others horrifically disturbing, The Debt Collector never manages to build enough empathy to be truly touching.