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‘The Gentlemen’ Review – Charlie Hunnam and Colin Farrell Outshine The Rest In This Gangster Comedy Chess Match

Synopsis:

Mickey Pearson is an American expatriate who became rich by building a marijuana empire in London. When word gets out that he’s looking to cash out of the business, it soon triggers an array of plots and schemes from those who want his fortune.

There are movies that are great and there are movies that are rewatchable. Now, not all rewatchable movies are great and in turn, not all great movies are rewatchable. However, when a film is able to embody those two things, it can become something everlasting. The Gentlemen was able to achieve both feats. As soon as the credits rolled into the darkness, I immediately wanted to watch the film again. It’s filled with intelligent and hilarious dialogue coupled with an intricate gangster story. The story is quick on its feet with twists looming around multiple corners. It’s not a story that is easily dissected or predictable. Just when you think you know, you don’t.

The characters crescendo throughout the film’s entirety making them just as unpredictable. Additionally, the characters are just as gentlemanly as they are gangster. Paired with the force they may have to exhibit in running a marijuana empire, they are smart, respectful, and dress rather dapper. There are a few things, I think, that writer and director, Guy Ritchie wanted to convey in this story that some may initially miss because they weren’t integral parts of the storyline. Expressed through a great performance by Hugh Grant, he wants us as viewers to absorb and enjoy the story and not want huge action sequences every five minutes. He even breaks down the movie as it goes on.

There are some great action scenes but they are humorous and well thought out, no random explosions. The film does involve a great deal of talking but it’s part of what makes it great and separates Ritchie’s films from others. Furthermore, there are messages of the dangers of drugs such as heroin, that kills people and the championing of marijuana, as it does not kill people. Also, he references the glory days of marijuana, where people would smoke together and share ideas, experiences, and fellowship rather than just getting baked on the couch. All that aside, the score fit perfectly, the wardrobe was amazing, and who doesn’t love great accents and UK slang. Overall, I enjoyed every second of The Gentlemen.

Plot & Pace

The story starts with a bang and later leads us down the stairs of an M. C. Escher painting. While the pace could feel slow for some, I feel it was perfect for the type of movie it is. Filled with love, treachery, and a mental chess game, the story revolves around Mickey Pearson. Pearson reigns over a marijuana empire that is unmatched and is worth millions. As he begins to contemplate getting out of the game, potential buyers and competition wants his cannibis kingdom at steal, even if that means stealing or worse. All players know each, so is it just business or is it personal?

Characters & Chemistry

While Matthew McConaughey as Mickey is a big draw and did a fantastic job, he was decisive, meticulous, and cutthroat; he is outshined by others. Ray (Charlie Hunnam) is Mickey’s consigliere and enforcer. His character shines though with every passing act. His chemistry with Fletcher (Hugh Grant), the scheming opportunist is hilarious. It’s a flirty cat and mouse game, but who is really the mouse? Colin Farrell as Coach also stood out. As soon as you see him in his first scene, you want to see more of him. Dry Eye (Henry Golding) didn’t really feel like he fit completely. While I understand his role in the plot, I felt like his talents were wasted. Jeremy Strong as Matthew was the perfect antithesis to everyone else in the movie. He’s flaunts his intellect and is meek in appearance. You expect him and don’t expect him at the same time. Lastly, is Michelle Dockery as Rosalind. She is the Queen to Mickey’s King and is what keeps him going. No one touches the Queen.