Watch Black and White

Black and White is a British drama film released in 2002, directed and co-written by Craig Lahiff. The movie features Robert Carlyle, Charles Dance, and Kerry Fox in lead roles. It portrays the complexities of human relationships and explores several themes such as prejudice, family, and betrayal. The movie follows Colin (Robert Carlyle), a recovering alcoholic and ex-con who struggles to maintain a satisfactory relationship with his wife, Liz (Kerry Fox), and daughter, Cathy. Colin's peaceful life is suddenly disrupted when his former cellmate and friend, Johnny (Charles Dance), gets released from prison and comes to live with him.

Johnny, a charming and manipulative man, soon befriends Liz and Cathy, leading to complications and misunderstandings. Despite Colin's initial reluctance and suspicion, Johnny manages to convince him to carry out a risky robbery that can solve all their financial problems.

Things take a turn for the worse when Colin discovers Johnny's true intentions and betrayal. He must now confront his own demons and make a choice between saving his family or saving himself and his friend.

The movie highlights the stark contrast between black and white characters, with Johnny being the suave and sophisticated white, while Colin is a rough-edged ex-con with tinges of emotional scars. The film explores the notion of identity, as Colin tries to defy the preconceived notions that society has about him and prove his worth to his family and loved ones.

Kerry Fox delivers an impressive performance as Liz, a strong-willed woman who is caught between her loyalty towards her husband and her growing affection towards Johnny. Her character arc shows a woman who is not afraid to make tough choices in order to protect her family and breaks the stereotype of a docile housewife.

Charles Dance's portrayal of the cunning and manipulative Johnny is equally exceptional. He effortlessly switches between charming and callous, showcasing his human side but never losing sight of his dark intentions. Johnny's character works both as the seductive con who can win people over, and the ruthless criminal who would stop at nothing to achieve his goals.

Robert Carlyle, as always, delivers a standout performance as Colin. He captures the essence of his character's struggles with addiction, identity crisis, and social exclusion, with an air of authenticity that is hard to match. The film's climax perfectly showcases his acting range, as he has to confront his inner demons and make the ultimate choice.

Black and White is a thought-provoking and well-crafted movie that stays true to its genre while offering a fresh take on the theme of morality and redemption. The film relies on its excellent screenplay, well-rounded characters, and a series of intense yet relatable emotions to tug at the viewer's heartstrings.

In conclusion, Black and White is a timeless movie that deserves a rightful place among the best dramas of the early 2000s. It is a poignant reminder of the power of human connection and the transformative impact that one pivotal moment can have on life's trajectory.

Black and White is a 1999 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.7.