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From Amazon.co.uk
Based on the best-selling book by Martina Cole, The Take follows the story of Freddie Jackson, a man who’s just left prison. And it’s fair to say has no intention of leaving a life of crime behind him. Thanks to the book of contacts he’s accrued while inside, he’s looking to put his newly found knowledge to commercial, and criminal, use.
Played by Tom Hardy, in a strong leading turn, Jackson doesn’t take long to get back to business. The Take lands him a London rife with gang warfare though, and we soon get the impression that this is not a safe place to be. Events start in the mid 1980s, and the narrative of the drama then covers the next decade, and the cultural and political changes that encompasses. And Jackson’s life doesn’t quite go the way he’d envisaged…
Co-starring Brian Cox and Charlotte Riley, The Take packs plenty in over its four instalments, and it doesn’t hold back on portraying just how brutal the London underworld can be. Yet it’s gripping drama, nonetheless, spearheaded by a superb turn from Tom Hardy in the lead role. Granted, it crams too much into four episodes, and often has to gallop through events. Plus, there’s a familiarity to the narrative. But this is a gritty, well-released adaptation of a strong book, and worth seeking out. --Jon Foster
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
35 of 37 people found the following review helpful
By M. Gardner
VINE™ VOICE
Format:DVD
I haven't read the book....but this was fantastic.
Tom Hardy (dear god he's one to watch!) turns in a magnificent performance as freed man Freddie, freshly released from prison and up for some violent mischief and ziggurat climbing. Imagine an East End Goodfellas and you're not far off. As things go on the plot twists and turns, the bodies stack up and Freddie's hands get bloodier and bloodier, pulling his cousin Jimmy down with him. It's a rollercoaster ride of murder, extortion, sex, drugs and betrayal.....and it's brilliant!
The cast are excellent in their roles, although Brian Cox's accent shifts all over the place. Hardy is a revelation. I can't speak highly enough of this performance. He is both menacing and sometimes endearing. Both at times incredibly funny and chillingly sadistic. His Freddie is both psychotic powerhouse and vulnerable child, driven at times into furious tantrums that always end in bloodshed. Whilst the plot may be predictable at times (after a while you can begin to anticipate a looming fatality), the character profiles are so well drawn by their respective actors that you are utterly sucked in to this world of grimy, sordid violence.
I wouldn't say that this is enjoyable television. Don't expect cathartic escapism or easy viewing. But finally we have a slick, sharp, gritty mini-serial to rival some of the American imports flooding our channels in lieu of programmes like Waking the Dead. There needs to be more television in this country like this: Ambitious, cinematic, gripping, story driven television. Television that grabs us by the throat and forces us to watch.
This is a primal scream of televisual achievement. Make sure you hear it.
Tom Hardy (dear god he's one to watch!) turns in a magnificent performance as freed man Freddie, freshly released from prison and up for some violent mischief and ziggurat climbing. Imagine an East End Goodfellas and you're not far off. As things go on the plot twists and turns, the bodies stack up and Freddie's hands get bloodier and bloodier, pulling his cousin Jimmy down with him. It's a rollercoaster ride of murder, extortion, sex, drugs and betrayal.....and it's brilliant!
The cast are excellent in their roles, although Brian Cox's accent shifts all over the place. Hardy is a revelation. I can't speak highly enough of this performance. He is both menacing and sometimes endearing. Both at times incredibly funny and chillingly sadistic. His Freddie is both psychotic powerhouse and vulnerable child, driven at times into furious tantrums that always end in bloodshed. Whilst the plot may be predictable at times (after a while you can begin to anticipate a looming fatality), the character profiles are so well drawn by their respective actors that you are utterly sucked in to this world of grimy, sordid violence.
I wouldn't say that this is enjoyable television. Don't expect cathartic escapism or easy viewing. But finally we have a slick, sharp, gritty mini-serial to rival some of the American imports flooding our channels in lieu of programmes like Waking the Dead. There needs to be more television in this country like this: Ambitious, cinematic, gripping, story driven television. Television that grabs us by the throat and forces us to watch.
This is a primal scream of televisual achievement. Make sure you hear it.
17 of 18 people found the following review helpful
By DW
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is one of the best programmes I have ever watched - It is simply essential viewing - shocking / funny / harrowing / violent / engrossing...It grips you from the first minute and stays with you long after the final credits.Tom Hardy is INCREDIBLE as Freddy...mesmerising...one of the most memorable characters I have ever watched... and the rest of the cast/acting is top notch...puts most Hollywood films to shame...This deserves awards...and then some...not for the faint hearted...but UNMISSABLE TV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
6 of 6 people found the following review helpful
By The Educator
Format:DVD
Excellent show - Tom Hardy must be up there with Depp and DiCaprio when it comes to people watching a film for the actor alone! Outstanding performance - id watched one scene in Bronson (the one in the cell) and Inception - he's now my favourite around at this time!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Outstanding
I was enthralled from the very start of this miniseries - the brilliance of the acting and the dark, overbearing scenery certainly adds to the grittyness of this seedier side of... Read more
Published 6 days ago by Craig Beavis
5.0 out of 5 stars
love it
omg Tom hardy its lush!!! great dvd was a good watch. thought i had seen it before but i dont think i had
Published 14 days ago by Amy
3.0 out of 5 stars
Pretty good
Like other Martina Cole movie adaptations, this does not stick close enough to the book, even though she's listed in the credits as co-producer or something like that. Read more
Published 20 days ago by Rosaline Maher
5.0 out of 5 stars
the take.
this is a book adapted to tv by Martina Cole.Its a brilliant dvd that can be watched many times its so good.Brilliant story ,gripping.With Tom Hardy as youve never seen him. Read more
Published 1 month ago by jayne goodman
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Take. Take it.
A gripping gritty and hard hitting and down to earth drama. This is a over 18 product, due to it being crude in parts, with bad language and violence.
Published 1 month ago by Snave55
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Take - Tom Hardy
Good Gritty drama, welll acted and very watchable. My husbands a big Tom Hardy fan, and he really enjoyed it to. Defo a recommended watch for all.
Published 2 months ago by Jolleyol
5.0 out of 5 stars
The Take
This is a great watch, it is violent as you would expect from Martina Cole, but full of great acting. I loved it!
Published 2 months ago by tina
5.0 out of 5 stars
replacement dvd
I loved the series on television, and my copy had been damaged then lost, i recieved a very good quality dvd, so i can continue to enjoy again and again, and it also stars tom... Read more
Published 2 months ago by kathleen crawford
4.0 out of 5 stars
the take
this was recommened be a fan site of Tom Hardy and wasnt dissappointed really enjoyed it and was not expensive
Published 2 months ago by Rosaleen Hickey
1.0 out of 5 stars
terrible acting
I knew I should not have bought this -I thought it was absolute tripe and the acting appalling.I really enjoy a good bloodthirsty story -but this was not it.
Published 2 months ago by alice trout
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