For Queen and Country 1988

Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune: This is a serious subject, and worthy of a serious journalistic report. That is not, however, what For Queen and Country is. Read more

Caryn James, New York Times: In a terrifically subtle and powerful performance, Mr. Washington is true to the modest, struggling man he plays. His expression registers restrained anger and much confusion. Read more

Jonathan Rosenbaum, Chicago Reader: Effective radical agitprop, relentless in its anger, this film is more outspoken about contemporary racism in England than any other feature that comes to mind. Read more

Roger Ebert, Chicago Sun-Times: Washington creates the character as a convincing, sympathetic person, and he deserves more than to have the character thrown away on a phoned-in plot. Read more

Stephen Garrett, Time Out: The choice of Washington doesn't help: he isn't bad in the part, but his accent strays absurdly. More worrying is the often corny plotting, the by now tired-looking exploitation of Broadwater violence, and a preposterous shootout ending. Read more

Desson Thomson, Washington Post: Serious-minded and foreboding -- a dark statement that might be a welcome astringent for the buttery buildup on your moviegoing palate. Read more

Rita Kempley, Washington Post: For Queen & Country is suspense-free, a laboriously paced look at the poor man's impotence in an unjust society. Read more