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Get Carter is a 1971 British crime thriller directed by Mike Hodges and starring Michael Caine, Ian Hendry, and Britt Ekland. It is based on the novel Jack's Return Home by Ted Lewis. The film tells the story of a ruthless London gangster named Jack Carter who travels to his hometown in northern England, in order to investigate his brother's mysterious death. Along the way, he delves into the seedy underbelly of his old town, facing corruption, betrayal, and violence.

The movie opens with Jack Carter (Michael Caine) arriving in Newcastle upon Tyne, a city he left years ago. He is there to attend his brother's funeral and pay his respects. However, he quickly realizes that his brother's death was not accidental and that there are people who do not want him snooping around. Carter decides to stay in Newcastle to investigate his brother's death, enlisting the help of his brother's mistress, Anna (Britt Ekland), and his friend Eric (Ian Hendry).

As Carter delves deeper into the mystery surrounding his brother's death, he discovers a web of corruption and criminal activity. He confronts local gang leader, Cyril Kinnear (John Osborne), who seems to be involved in the death of his brother. Carter begins to gather evidence and prepares to take down Kinnear and his criminal empire.

The film is notable for its gritty realism, vivid depiction of the north of England, and its stark portrayal of violence. With a taut script and strong performances from the cast, Get Carter is considered one of the best British crime films of all time.

At the heart of the story is Michael Caine's powerful performance as Jack Carter. He is both violent and ruthless, yet sympathetic and charming. Caine perfectly captures the essence of the character, delivering iconic lines such as "You're a big man, but you're in bad shape. With me, it's a full-time job. Now behave yourself," with conviction and style.

The supporting cast also delivers exceptional performances. Ian Hendry is superb as Eric, a doomed friend of Carter's who is in over his head. Britt Ekland is stunning as Anna, the femme fatale who becomes Carter's ally. John Osborne is chilling as Cyril Kinnear, the local gangster who stands in Carter's way.

One of the film's strengths is its use of location. The movie is set in Newcastle upon Tyne, and the city serves as a backdrop for the action. The gritty and often bleak city is portrayed with an authenticity that adds to the film's realism. The soundtrack, composed by Roy Budd, is also outstanding. It takes the viewer on an emotional journey, from haunting melodies to upbeat jazz and funk.

In conclusion, Get Carter is a seminal work of British cinema that has stood the test of time. It is a brutal, gripping, and ultimately tragic tale of one man's quest for revenge. Michael Caine gives a towering performance as Jack Carter, and the supporting cast is equally impressive. The film is beautifully shot and features a stunning soundtrack. If you are a fan of crime movies or just great cinema in general, Get Carter is a must-see.

Get Carter is a 1971 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 52 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 80.