If you were to ask me to describe the epitome of British cinema I would direct you to the workings of Guy Ritchie. His fast-paced, quick-witted, gangster movies such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, Snatch, and Revolver are not only chock-a-block with the best in the business, but are also a perfect portrayal of the intellectual sarcasm of our sense of humour.
The Gentlemen is no different. With the likes of Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Hugh Grant, Michelle Dockery, Colin Farrell and Henry Golding we are thrust into the centre of the black market drug kingdom of London.
Bringing an American edge to an innately British film, Matthew McConaughey's Mickey Pearson is the king of the jungle, wishing to sell off the most successful weed production company in the British Isles so he can retire with his beloved wife. Living by his personal mantra, 'there's only one rule in the jungle, when the lion's hungry, he eats,' he isn't afraid to get his hands dirty.
Charlie Hunnam, as Pearson's right hand man and most trusted associate Ray, shines in the ever so typical Ritchie character of a London gangster. Dressed in a well put together suit, though with the questionable choice of a particularly bushy beard, he uses his affinity for clever dialogue to defuse situations, though able to resort to the skilled use of fire arms when against a dim-witted adversary.
Playing a part unlike his usual romantic comedy leads, Hugh Grant is Fletcher, the narrator of our tale. Using his private detective skills to collate blackmail worthy information, he reaches for life-changing riches from the deep pockets of the underworld's elite. 'Play a game with me, Ray,' he encourages wanting to divulge his intel in exchange for a financial 'donation'.
Far from the hallowed halls of the Crawley family estate, Michelle Dockery drops her aristocratic accent to be Rosalind, the 'Landen' wife of Mickey Pearson. With claws sharper than those of her husband, she keeps her heels close to the ground, running her own successful business and proving her own when the time calls for it.
In the role of Coach, Colin Farrell moulds the young men of the streets of London into class A boxers and members of society. Taking responsibility for their rambunctious tenacity toward a life of crime, he finds himself in the service of Mickey Pearson, working alongside Ray on three, no four times. Paying his debt, he proves he keeps his word like the gentlemen he does not dress as.
Taking a leaf out of the book of his Last Christmas co-star, Henry Golding channels his inner Khalessi as Dry Eye, attempting to become the new king. With a cocksure attitude and way of going for what he wants, the suave, sweet-natured leading man is no where to be seen. Believing it is time for the old lions to step aside for the young cubs, he sets his sights on the entire jungle, the king included.
With a brilliant story told through the lives of interesting characters, delivered by world class actors and with a large dollop of the word c***, The Gentlemen provides an excellent way to spend two hours. Guy Ritchie has not disappointed with this instalment in his catalog of gangster movies. The comedy and story telling involves an intellect that has become a British staple, and always leaves you wanting more.
