Last night I saw one of the finest films of 2000 four years late. In fact, almost everyone missed the theatrical release of The Boondock Saints because it was an independent film that played for just 10 days, peaking on 5 screens, grossing less than 31,000 dollars worldwide.

That would be the end of the story, only it was a monster DVD hit; the stuff legends are made of. Priced to move at 9.99 it really did.

Boondock Saints is a rare combination of intriguing characters, smart cinematography and a story that pushes the complex heroes to their limits. Chock full of vignettes that could only happen onscreen, it’s an intriguing peak inside the burgeoning conflict between the Russian and Italian mob. Set in Boston, virtually every shot is on location giving the film a gritty, real look.

The film explores the premise of whether it’s a bigger crime to witness violence and do nothing, or to intervene.

A rounded cast that includes Willem Dafoe and Billy Connolly add the necessary star credentials to the production. Dafoe’s character as an FBI agent is particularly twisted, even for the Green Goblin. Don’t try and say I didn’t warn you.

True, this is not for everyone and it’s rated R for a reason. But if you’re of age and like the mob genre, give it a whirl.