Distrib Lionsgate U.K. has acquired U.K. rights to Marv Films' contemporary British crime thriller "Harry Brown," which stars Michael Caine.

Caine plays an elderly former serviceman drawn to vigilantism while living in a rundown burb rife with gangs, guns and drugs.

Topical pic, which stars Emily Mortimer ("The 51st State") as a police woman, is directed by Daniel Barber, who was Oscar nommed for short "The Tonto Women."

Pic is produced by Marv's dynamic duo Matthew Vaughn and Kris Thykier, and Keith Bell ("The Descent"), who bought the project to Marv. Gary Young, who worked with Bell on "The Tournament," wrote the script.

" 'Harry Brown' is a modern urban Western that reflects the stark realities of youth crime in the 21 century both in the U.K. and internationally," commented Thykier, adding that Caine's role "is an exciting and contemporary take on the iconic characters like Harry Palmer ('The Ipcress File') and Jack Carter ('Get Carter') that originally brought him to fame."

To former-PR maven Thykier, "The themes of the darkness in young society and of two generations at odds with each other are both timely and important. From my marketing background, I am keenly aware that, as the U.S. enters the election and we enter election year here, these issues are likely to be very front-of-mind next year when 'Harry Brown' debuts."

Thykier reports that Caine was drawn to the project by the script, which resonated personally with him: "He also grew up in a council estate and served in the forces in Korea so was touched by the story."

Zygi Kamasa, CEO, Lionsgate U.K., envisages a "hugely commercial release next year," noting that the acquisition "continues our remit to support mainstream British films."

Hanway Films is handling worldwide sales on the pic, which is being promoted at the Toronto Intl. Film Fest.