Shudder Stock: Siege (1983)

 A random bit of curiosity led me to this not-so-remembered Film.  1983's Siege- also known as Self Defense (see below)- is a Canadian Thriller.  It is thankfully remembered enough to get a recent Blu-Ray upgrade, which seems to be the one I streamed.  There are some differences between the Digital and Physical, but I'll save that for the end.

The Plot involves a man on the run from some bad guys.  Said bad guys killed everyone at a Gay Club and want no witnesses.  Why can't they go to the Police?  They're on strike.

Supposedly, the real footage they use of the *actual* Police Strike is the only existing footage to document this event.  To be clear, that's just the Strike, not the Film's Plot.  I suppose it makes sense- what local news group keeps 40 year old (give or take) footage?

Is this a forgotten gem or an overrated oldie?  Let's find out...

A Gay Bar in Canada is hopping.

Well, there are like 6 people...but it is Halifax.

You're burned, Halifax!!!

A bunch of bigots show up with bats and other wooden objects to cause trouble.

When one of the people is killed, they call in Cabe- the Leader- who kills everyone, save for one lithe man.

He runs for help, but there are no Cops due to a (real) Police Strike.

He runs to a mostly-empty Building and gets help from a friendly couple, who are having a pair of blind men over from a nearby School.

This is Canada, so will they dare put the handy-capable in real peril?

The shockingly-well-armed men lay siege- oh, I get it!- to the Building.

Thankfully, the group has some weapons, but in conveniently-limited amounts.

A gun- but only 3 bullets.

A bow- but only one arrow.

What's next- half of a sword?!?

Will they survive the Siege?  Will the bigots face justice?

Will we learn to fear the name of Cabe?

To find out, stream the Film on Shudder.

A fun, low-budget Thriller with some good surprises and atmosphere.

The Film won't win any Awards for its presentation.  It's simple, grimy and gritty.  This Film can't have more of a Budget than a School in the 'wrong part of Town' has yearly.  It's not going to give you flash or show you some big flourish of action.

Much like Assault on Precinct 13 (an obvious influence), the Film keeps you in a tight space and makes you yearn for freedom like its Leads do.  It makes you feel like you're surrounded and under attack.  It doesn't pull any punches.  Nobody is safe.

So, naturally, you can buy the physical copy and see what this Film doesn't need- Scenes set outside in the daytime that take place BEFORE the Story begins proper.  Good choice of Cuts, Shudder.

If you want a tight, atmospheric Film that is surprisingly-engaging, check this out.  If you want big Budget and Action, well, don't go to Canada in 1983.