Scruffybobby
An exciting and intelligent thriller. Featuring a storming performance from Whittaker and an impressive but less showy turn from McAvoy. It's refreshing to see a film where the protagonist is a bit of a git. It would be less believable had McAvoy been saintly and noble. Gillian Anderson is underused though. It's tense, scary, shocking and even very funny. Well worth seeking out.

THE SQUID
NOT AS GOOD AS THE FIRST KING OF SCOTLAND

Chris Pedder
Excellent film with a great charismatic performance from Whitaker but equally well acted by all. The steady decline of the overall mood gradually revealing more and more truths about Garrigans situation was very unnerving indeed. Very thought provoking and powerful. 5*

Mike Ward
This is the best film in years, puts the Departed to shame.

Marie-Therese
I was intrigued from the start with Amim and was taken on a rollercoaster of emotions from amusement to horror. The complexity of his character helped me to understand how such an evil man could cultivate such huge popularity. It was wonderful to watch a film that didn't follow the tedious cliches that the hollywood sausage factory pumps out year on year.

Adam M
Outstanding performance by Forest Whitaker as an almost schizophrenic Amin. I was nervous just watching! James McAvoy as the slightly gullible scot was entirely convincing. All in all a very thought prvoking film which showed how dictatorship can appear acceptable from the inside whilst to the rest of the world inducing horror and revulsion. A top notch film.

Flanka
Brilliant performances by the two leads. Whitaker performance of Amin's descent into paranoia is breathtaking. Loads of "don't do it " moments.Truely 5 stars

Arpan Pradhan
Well let me rephrase the the above''oscar in the bag'' it more like ''oscar in the sack'' excellent, splendid, brilliant movie..superb cast and hey guess what its 5 out of 5 star from me. Now stop reading and go watch it before its house full.......

Arpan
Well Forest Whitaker, you need to be working on your thank you speech for the oscar you will be collecting soon this year...splendid performance. excellent. Must see Movie it deserves a *****, no doubt..

Lee Doherty
What a way to kick off the year with this heart-pounding drama! Whitaker, up to this point, has been an unjustly over- looked actor in supporting 'nic e-guy' roles, but he deserves every trophy that's out there for Best Actor. Funny, charismatic and frightening, Forest dominates the picture - but McAvoy holds his own with conviction as well. I look forward to director McDonald's next project. 9/10

stephen sheils
the oscar is out of the bag

Alison K
Great film - tremendous performances from Forest Whitaker and James McAvoy. Whitaker does a top turn as Amin. beautifully shot - loved the initial shots where Amin addressing the crowds. Good movie.