Devotees of the hit BBC series Line of Duty and mafia dramas shouldn’t miss a 2013 film chronicling a real-life gangster’s story. This recommendation follows on from viewers raving about a mystery thriller adapted from a best-selling novel, a “brilliant” crime drama and a “gripping” psychological thriller, reports the Manchester Evening News.

The film has garnered acclaim on IMDb from viewers, with one awarding it 8/10 stars under the heading: “Very Good Thriller and Gangster film”. They praised how the film was “held together by a number of outstanding performances”, particularly highlighting the lead actor.

They summed up: “I judge a film on whether or not it holds my attention and this one did. This film has a good story, strong characters and is well worth watching.”

Meanwhile, another viewer awarded a perfect 10/10, declaring: “A brilliant movie, beautiful to watch in it’s way, a damn near perfect film in it’s true to life portrayal of the Glaswegian underworld [sic].”

The critic drew comparisons with the “highly lauded” American gangster movie but maintained this was far more genuine. They added: “This is set in the real world of a broken city. Not much to say other than worth your time.”

The lead’s performance was also singled out for being “compelling.”

Another reviewer awarded it 8/10, calling it a “great watch” and noting it became “more interesting” with the knowledge of its real-life foundations.

They added: “This British gangster film is well worth a watch. The ending of the film left it open for a sequel. Will go and read the books now.”

One fan hailed the picture as a “rough, tough crime tale” and enthused in their critique: “What a terrific crime movie this one and not in the line of so many other films that we see since nearly twenty years now, such as the Guy Ritchie’s features: SNATCH and so many GOOD FELLAS look like movies, with plenty of humour.” They deemed the character study “flawless”.

Another 8/10 assessment described it as an “Absorbing gangster drama – if you don’t get hung up on authenticity”, continuing: “Martin Compton’s lead performance is really great, and all the usual Scottish suspects, and a few unusual ones, put in a good turn.”

A glowing 9/10 review championed the lead turn as “utterly compelling”, whilst celebrating the sophisticated narrative, described as “magnificently told”. The reviewer observed: “There haven’t been many films of this genre emanating from Scotland over the years, certainly not since the passable “Sense of Freedom” in the 70s. This film however, is leagues above anything thats gone before from our shores. Highly recommended [sic].”

The Wee Man is a biographical film about reformed Scottish gangster Paul Ferris, featuring Martin Compston of Line of Duty and The Rig fame in the role of the real-life character.

The movie traces Ferris’ journey from his early years growing up in Blackhill, facing bullying, to his descent into crime after being recruited by a mob boss during his teenage years in the 1970s and 80s.

In addition to Compston, The Wee Man boasts a star-studded cast including Hollywood actor John Hannah, known for The Mummy and Sliding Doors, Patrick Bergin of Patriot Games, Denis Lawson from New Tricks and Bleak House, Stephen McCole of Rushmore, and Rita Tushingham. Other cast members include Laura McMonagle, Clare Grogan, Joy McAvoy, Andrew Marley, and Alastair Thomson Mills.

The Wee Man is just one of Compston’s roles prior to his rise to fame with Jed Mercurio’s police thriller Line of Duty. His other notable projects include The Rig, The Nest, Fear, The Revenge Club, Traces, Our House, In Plain Sight, Vigil and Mayflies, among others.

The Wee Man is streaming on Prime Video now and Tubi for free