Ending of iconic British masterpiece continues to ‘hit people like a truck’

‘You were supposed to be a monster – now I’m the f***ing beast’

Originally released back in 2004, Shane Meadow’s movie has cemented itself in the history books as a cult classic of British cinema.

The dark psychological thriller stars Paddy Considine as Richard, a former soldier in the British Army, who returns home to the Peak District to get even with the gang who humiliated his younger brother for years while he was gone.

The film was written by both Meadows and Considine as well as Paul Fraser, and stars Toby Kebbell, Gary Stretch, and Stuart Wolfenden.

Despite its low budget, the film was instantly hailed as a masterwork by many critics. Writing for The Observer, Philip French described the film as: “A very skilful, superbly edited piece of moviemaking” while The Telegraph remarked that it was “not for the faint hearted”.

Since its initial release, the film has gone onto be featured in many lists of the greatest movies ever made and has solidified itself as an iconic work of English cinema.

The film screened once again on Friday on Film4, and it remains available and free to watch on the channel's streaming service.

Following the showing, viewers took to social media to praise the film, and in particular it's astonishing ending.

Without spoiling it, the ending is one that certainly stays with viewers for a long while.

“What a film! I was flabbergasted at the ending first time round! Anyone not watched it give it a watch," one person put.

A second said: "Watched Dead Man’s Shoes with Paddy Considine tonight, I’d never actually seen it and I had to remedy that. Incredible film. So brutal, but so powerful. Did not see the ending coming at all. Wow. Just amazing. I highly recommend giving it a watch."

“Forgot how horrific the ending to Dead Man's Shoes is," a third wrote.