I had not heard / have not seen the TV-series, so I watched the film as a separate crime thriller - due to Ray Winstone's participation - and have no comparison or assessment moments with the series. In my opinion, the film is mostly credible, with some moments to please the audience thirst after fast variable chases and shootings. Main characters are elaborated as well, and Ray Winstone as Detective Inspector Jack Regan and Ben Drew as Detective Constable George Carter provide strong and memorable performances (I have always liked Winstone, but Drew was new to me). Unlike in most U.S. films, "good guys" get killed too, triggering in turn new wild events full of grief and revenge.
If you are not stuck into Inspector Morse or Midsomer Murders type of British series, then you may like The Sweeney - but here nothing is nice, neither people nor surroundings...
If you are not stuck into Inspector Morse or Midsomer Murders type of British series, then you may like The Sweeney - but here nothing is nice, neither people nor surroundings...