Although the plot may be a familiar one, the fine acting on display here raises this film from the doldrums into being a pretty effective and taut thriller. The ever-dependable Harvey Keitel, who's always a presence whichever film he's in, stars as an American cop who comes to London after chasing a particularly nasty piece of work, a drug dealer. Once in London he discovers that while the city may be different, the crimes and people inhabiting it are the same, from the world-weary cops to the old-time criminals who just want peace to the young thugs who would murder you in the blink of an eye.
The supporting cast of British actors is packed with familiar faces, and everybody gives a good performance in this film. Particularly affecting is Craig Kelly, who plays a young informant who gets puts in grave danger as the film progresses. Kelly's performance is a realistic and touching one, not least with his believable relationship with a very young-looking Thandie Newton, who of course would go on to appear in many films. Elsewhere, Terence Rigby is also very good as a criminal who wants to help the police get the murderers, and Keith Allen puts in a thoroughly evil performance as a frighteningly nasty piece of work who bumps off those he doesn't like. His comeuppance is well deserved.
Touching on the seedier side of London, complete with drug-fuelled nightclubs, and murders being committed in dark alleys, this feels very much like a typical American thriller, except that the odd setting makes it perhaps more interesting to watch. Director Danny Cannon mixes in the mystery aspects of the film with some shocking bursts of violence, leading up to the inevitable bloody death-filled finale. What surprises most is that his drama is character-based instead of style-fixated, which is often the case with some of these more recent crime thrillers they're throwing at us. Saying that, there are some good bits of cinematography, including an inspired tracking shot which transforms the London underground into a place of isolation and foreboding like never before! Although THE YOUNG Americans doesn't give much in the way that's new and has an obviously low budget, a good cast and well-sketched, realistic characters give this thriller an added edge over your typical run-of-the-mill fare. Highly recommended.
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