“Bermondsey Boy” is centered around “Dodgy” Dave –a man’s man who has no doubts about his masculinity. The film allow us intimate access to Dave’s private thoughts, hopes and fears. As Dave goes about his day to day activities, evicting squatters, debt-collecting and repossessing cars, one matter is uppermost in his thoughts –Dave faces a lengthy jail sentence, charged with GBH. It threatens the things that characterize his masculinity –his freedom, his image, his strength and his “empire”. During filming Dave is forced to reassess what he has always taken for granted. Dave admits that he can be violent but also regards himself as loyal, and honest. Being “hard” is not just about fighting on a Saturday night. “A hard man is someone mentally strong, strong enough to stand by your convictions –solid... hard is in the mind”.