Likainen Harry

Few films in 1971 managed to generate such a fierce critical response. Clint Eastwood, then still a star of very little luminosity (despite the success of Leone’s movies), introduced a new type of policeman: an uncompromising tough guy who solves the problem of crime with a gun instead of lengthy court delays, often with uncertain results. It was this attitude, to some extent a return to the system of the law of the fist, to the method of "an eye for an eye", that was a thorn in the side of the critical community (and some politicians), who were quick to use adjectives such as "fascist fantasy". But the viewing public was of a different opinion, and their enthusiastic reactions showed what they thought of the liberal laws and complex legal loopholes that often protect criminals. A forerunner of today's action badasses was born, an A-list movie star was born, and a film that now belongs to the classics of the 70s and the history books of cinema was born. And when Clint throws his cop badge into the river at the end, it's as if he's thrown away the idealistic 60s of cinema with it and welcomed the next, harsher and more abundant in body count era. (09.07.2006)

In Clint Eastwood's extensive filmography, Dirty Harry is considered one of the pivotal films that shaped his career, and the role of tough detective Harry is iconic. However, taking a critical look not only at this film but at the entire series with the titular hero that followed, I cannot help but feel that it is a rather average crime movie of its time. If it weren't for the charismatic and rugged Eastwood, there would not have been a demand for these films. The whole plot is inconsistently and unconvincingly built to highlight the role and attitudes of the main character, who criticizes the system. As a result, both superiors and especially political representatives behave like a flock of idiots. Similarly, the psychology of the villain is brushed off, and his behavior is illogical. At the time of its release, the film and its protagonist sparked extensive discussion and criticism from both film critics and journalists, who criticized his political views as brash and resembling those of Judge Lynch. Harry was even branded as a fascist. The fact is that it was the activist 70s that followed the turbulent aftermath of the 1968 events. In hindsight, Harry seems like an innocent likable character, unlike those policemen from the Belmondo crime movies of the 70s and 80s, who shoot gangsters on the streets upon their encounter and beat them in sensitive parts of their bodies because they know best where the guilt lies and they don't need a trial for punishment. Though they do it with a charm and catchphrases, I find them much more problematic. Not to mention José Padilha's films, which seem like a deliberate assault on the liberal state and liberal values using artistic weapons. Overall impression: 60%. (04.04.2011)

I just couldn't wait for Harry to kill that demented, braindead idiot, because I haven't seen such a stupid “killer" like this in a long time. I hope the real Zodiac Killer that inspired Dirty Harry had at least a little intelligence. Clint Eastwood carries the whole film; great wisecracks alternate with action sequences that were outstanding for that era. The music is surprisingly good and perfectly complements the atmosphere of the movie. A classic. (13.06.2006)

Where would all the detectives ignoring their bosses be without Harry Callahan? And who would have inspired Bruce Willis for Die Hard if it weren't for the guy in the jacket who shoots villains with a .45 whilst cursing them? "I know what you're thinking. Did he fire six shots or only five? Well to tell you the truth in all this excitement I kinda lost track myself..." A classic of classics that never gets old and matures and turns golden with time. Eastwood is God, Siegel is God, Schifrin is God... (22.04.2009)

Don Siegel deserves credit if only for the fact that Dirty Harry started a new style of action films that are still being made in large numbers today. The fact that the film itself has undeniable qualities and belongs to the top of the genre is just a small, insignificant plus. The great Clint Eastwood fits the lead role of a tough detective with a loaded gun as well as anyone, and his arrogant gaze and brilliant catchphrases have become iconic. The screenplay was very bold in introducing the world to a new type of policeman in the politically tense 1970s, one who disregarded the law and publicly disagreed with high politics, which earned the film a lot of flak from the critics at the time, but that doesn't change the fact that it's an engaging, entertaining and suspenseful crime drama. The detective methods are admittedly a bit ridiculous at times, and the bullets bounce off Eastwood even more they did off the Terminator, but that's part of the point. (09.03.2012)

After what feels like ages, I found myself alongside Harry Callahan once more, chasing down Scorpia. It's been fifty-one years since Harry's first hunt (without me, obviously), and in this latest outing, his age shows, especially in the way the blood looked, almost like washed-out clay. But that didn't dampen my enjoyment one bit, because the core message of the film remains disturbingly relevant. Just like Harry, I'm baffled by the notion that any murderous scumbag deserves more humane treatment than their victim(s) (or their surviving loved ones, for that matter). While I don't advocate for a shoot-first-ask-questions-later approach for police (because let's face it, that's a recipe for disaster), there's still a thrill in watching a righteous lawman safeguard society and save taxpayers' dollars in the process. Major props to the casting in this one. Obviously, Clint Eastwood is top-notch as always, but let's talk about Andrew Robinson as the killer. That guy could smirk with such brazenness, he'd make a blunt object seem like a perfect argument in a deep, philosophical debate. / Lesson learned: If you're not good at maths, don't mess with Harry. (10.04.2022)

You're expecting an action movie and you get something completely different. Don Siegel directed this so well that you're not captivated by the epicness of individual scenes, but simply by how everything is arranged and how incredibly realistic it all is. Clint Eastwood is an incredible tough guy and it's great to watch him. This is the kind of cop you want to have on your team because he can handle even the worst situations. (11.08.2015)