Writer/Director: Guy Ritchie
Starring: Geraldine Somerville, Matthew McConaughey and Hugh Grant
‘A Captivating Comedy’
Not many actresses in Britain have made films that thrill audiences like Geraldine Somerville. Ever since her rise to recognition in the 1980’s, Somerville has made strong movies. Whether it is mothers of magical wizards, political leaders or bold heroines, Somerville has made several memorable movies. Arguably, Somerville’s best strength as an actress has always been strong commitment towards craft. She is one of those rare actresses that has often had aptitudes for stealing the show in supporting roles that have limited screen time. Even when she isn’t a main focus of a movie, Somerville has always left an impression. Although she is most well-known for her famous role as Lily Potter in the Harry Potter series, Somerville has proven that she can excel in every single genre. An Irish icon, Somerville has become an actress audiences cherish. Throughout her career, Somerville has made many memorable films which are worth talking about.
I’m a huge fan of the actress and adore all the movies she has made in her career. However, “The Gentlemen” is my favourite. Released in 2019, Guy Ritchie’s film offered a captivating action comedy. Packed with strong production, engaging storytelling and fantastic acting, it’s one of the best crime comedies ever made. At the centre of it all is an excellent performance by Geraldine Somerville, who plays an elderly woman that becomes tragic victim of murder. Ultimately, what makes “The Gentlemen” an awe-inspiring crime classic is its broad appeal. Unlike most Guy Ritchie movies, it discusses strong themes that everyone would relate to. A captivating crime comedy, there are countless reasons why “The Gentlemen” is a film worth seeing.
Set in London, “The Gentlemen” tells the story of an American expat that builds a profitable marijuana business causing tension. Matthew McConaughey portrays Michael Pearson, an American expatriate with a passion for selling drugs. Michael has always had a passion for running a marijuana empire that people often admire. However, Michael’s life changes when his business becomes victim of gangsters that commit murder. Michael’s drugs catch sudden attention of Pressfield (Geraldine Somerville). Lady Pressfield is an aristocratic woman that seeks control over the drug business causing tension. As all the odds are stacked against his favour, Michael soon begins to wonder if it is possible to become a successful drug dealer. Faced with a dilemma, Michael soon begins to question whether it’s possible to run business for marijuana.
Guy Ritchie is fascinated with stories of gangs. A fantastic British filmmaker, Ritchie has often made engaging movies about gangsters that commit murder. His movie “Snatch” offered an engaging portrait of gangsters which snatch drugs experiencing a rough patch. With “The Gentlemen”, however, Ritchie created his first drug dealer movie. It was the filmmaker’s first attempt to capture the tension of drug dealers facing adversity but he succeeded immensely. Through captivating cinematography, Ritchie captures a gangster team seeking to conquer a drug business. Richie expertly uses handheld camera to capture a drug dealer struggling to sell marijuana. For instance, handheld camera enhance the drugs scene. During this intense scene, Michael strives to sell drugs causing a catastrophe. Handheld camera isn’t an easy technique to use in movies. As David Yates’ “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2” suggested, handheld camera elevates magical adaptations of commemorated fantasy books. Nevertheless, it works well in this movie. Through breathtaking visuals, Ritchie captures tensions which commemorated gangs are facing.
Another admirable aspect of “The Gentlemen” that merits appreciation is the action. From a technical perspective, the film is extremely well made. Ritchie effectively uses slow motion to stage engaging action sequences capturing gangs experiencing tension. For instance, slow motion enhances the gang violence scene. In this memorable scene, Michael has an intense confrontation with a gang of thugs seeking to steal his marijuana causing tension. Through slow motion, Ritchie crafts a portrait of gangs that audiences can easily relate to. Moreover, the musical score is dazzling. Chris Benstead’s music is key towards the success of the movie. It gives the film a tense atmosphere capturing the burdens which drug dealers bear. Through powerful production, Ritchie captures gangs in immense tension.
Storytelling is one of the main reasons why “The Gentlemen” is an action comedy that’s compelling. The movie is beautifully written, effectively using dialogue to capture tension that drug dealers impacted by violence are facing. One of the many trademarks that Guy Ritchie uses in his movies is witty dialogue. Throughout the movie, Ritchie successfully use witty dialogue to capture gangsters enduring adversity. For instance, the dialogue elevates the business deal scene. During this engaging scene, Michael negotiates a business deal for his drugs causing tensions. Through dialogue, Ritchie creates a portrait of gangsters which audiences can easily relate to. Dialogue is a tricky technique to use in movies. As Quentin Tarantino’s “Pulp Fiction” suggested, dialogue elevates commemorated crime movies. Nevertheless, it works extremely in this movie. Through an engaging screenplay, Ritchie captures the lives of commemorated gangsters facing a price to pay.
One appreciates amazing performances.
Geraldine Somerville delivers one of her best performances as Lady Pressfield. Somerville first earned appreciation for playing mothers of wizards in iconic fantasy movies. With “The Gentlemen”, however, she took upon her most complex role. It isn’t easy to portray a woman that engages in a life of crime causing tragedy but she succeeded. This is the actress unlike you have ever seen her before: intense, bold and emotional in her most strongest role. With mesmerizing expressions, she captures angst, desperation and trauma of a woman seeking to battle gangs facing tension. It’s a powerful performance from one of the most celebrated actresses which is currently working in Britain today.
While the film is mainly a stunning showcase for Geraldine Somerville, the supporting cast is amazing and worthy of appreciation. Matthew McConaughey is magnificent, bringing tension to a gangster which engages in a life of crime with a price to pay. Hugh Grant is spectacular, capturing the hardships that gangsters which strive to rescue innocent civilians go through. Lastly, Colin Farell deserves appreciation. As a hotheaded gangster, he brings tension to the movie.
Finally, “The Gentlemen” will earn recognition of everyone for capturing gangsters enduring tension. Unlike most movies directed by Guy Ritchie, it tackles strong themes everyone will relate to. It discusses strong themes including identity, crime and trauma which will resonate with everyone. Viewers don’t need to be very familiar with gangsters to enjoy it. The movie delivers a profound message about teamwork that would resonate with everyone. Therefore, “The Gentlemen” is one of those rare gangster movies everyone will adore.
Fans of Geraldine Somerville will definitely enjoy “The Gentlemen” and so will movie-goers seeking exhilarating entertainment. A captivating crime classic, it celebrates an actress that’s iconic.
Nearly a decade following the release of a groundbreaking film about gentlemen gangsters engaging in a life of crime seeking to sell marijuana, it’s a riveting reminder of a commemorated Irish actress with charisma that has made unforgettable movies throughout her impressive career which always attract audiences towards the Cinema.
5/5 stars
The Film Buff 