The Countere Guide to Bri’ish Gangster Falms
“Bri’ish gangster falms?” You must be having a larf. Well, yes, maybe, but the British gangster genre is as much a staple to British cinema as its American counterpart. I’m generalizing here, but if American mafioso movies feature Italian tough guys with slicked-black hair, suits, and machine guns, then the British equivalent is cockney hardmen spouting punchy one-liners whilst wielding brass knuckles and sawn-off shotguns.
This is no hard and fast rule, but that image of the typical British gangster has been consistent since the 60s, thanks in no small part to the success and dominance of the Kray twins. The pair infamously ran the east end of London during the 50s and 60s. Their legacy can still be seen today through the recently released film Legend starring Tom Hardy and TV shows like Peaky Blinders.
Like the American gangster movie, the successful British gangster film toes the fine line between acceptable cliché and downright farce; too many c-bombs spoil the broth, as they say (Rise of the Foot Soldier, anyone?). Far from being an exhaustive list, this guide is to give the uninitiated a taste of some of the more interesting additions to the genre. Some of them certainly aren’t conventional, but this is Countere after all—we enjoy the alternative stuff. So sit back, stick the kettle on, and prepare for a journey through Britain’s cinematic underworld.
Get Carter (1971)
The most orthodox film on the list, Get Carter is your classic cockney gangster flick—with a twist. Sir Michael Caine plays Jack Carter, who returns to his hometown to find out what happened to his deceased brother. It just so happens that his hometown is in not-so-sunny Newcastle; it also just so happens that his brother was murdered. Cue violence, car chases, and one of cinema’s very first acts of phone sex depicted on film. The setting is interesting—as opposed to the relative glitz and glamour of 1970s London, director Mike Hodges treats us to some amazing sweeping shots of run-down terraced houses and brutalist 60s architecture from the Northeast of England, which underpins the film with some of the class politics and issues of the time.
Sir Michael Caine nails the role as Carter, who has some excellent one-liners and quips while also exuding the quiet, brooding menace which has become his trademark. Carter is the embodiment of pure evil at times, and his callous disregard for the people around him is obvious. Were he a lesser actor, you would feel contempt for his character, but Caine’s natural charm and charisma wins you over; you can’t help but root for him despite his malicious acts. Get Carter was released to comparatively mixed reviews, but over time has developed a solid cult following and has won the praise of distinguished directors like Quentin Tarantino. A solid edition to any film buff’s collection—just don’t watch the 2000 remake because it’s rubbish.
Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
Despite my initial reservations, I opted to include Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels in this list. Yes, Lock Stock is a good film. Yes, I know, Snatch (director Guy Ritchie’s second film) is also good, too. There, I’ve said it, let’s all be friends. But—this is a big but—they are basically the same film. Pretty much every Guy Ritchie film is the same. This shouldn’t be controversial to say, everyone knows this, but few are willing to admit it.
Anyway, Lock Stock is an enjoyable yarn, as they say. It was Guy Ritchie’s first feature-length film, and it was so successful he decided to copy it over and over again: a situation (caravan purchase, card game) goes awry, debts are incurred, and bloodbaths ensue. I don’t dislike him, and I’m not one of those film snobs that won’t watch it because it’s made by Guy Ritchie (although I do draw the line at Revolver—that was pure unfiltered shit). Lock Stock also features some interesting cameo roles. Sting, of The Police Fame, plays a small part as the owner of a pub, and Lenny Mclean, the legendary bare-knuckle boxer, lends some real-life hardman credibility as “Barry the Baptist.”
In Bruges (2008)
In Bruges, as the title suggests, takes place in Bruges, Belgium; a lovely little city, replete with Brabantian Gothic architecture, meandering little waterways, and outdoor cafes. Ken (Brendan Gleeson) is enchanted by Bruges, whilst Ray (Colin Farrell) not so much; in his own words, he “fucking hates it.” Something deep is disturbing Ray, and not even Ken’s cheery attitude can break Ray’s melancholy. Ray and Ken, of course, are contract killers, and what’s bugging Ray is revealed as the plot thickens. I don’t want to spoil it, but you could probably guess given their profession.
In Bruges is one of the funniest films on this list. The dialogue between Ken and Ray is excellent and testament to the onscreen chemistry between Farrell and Gleeson. Ralph Fiennes also stars in the film as menacing crime boss Harry Waters, who lands some outrageously funny one-liners in keeping with the genre conventions. I think what I like so much about In Bruges is its humorous take on such heavy subject matter. At times bordering on absurd—a racist, drug-taking dwarf is a central figure in the film—In Bruges ultimately asks some pretty hard questions regarding loyalty, honor, and sacrifice.
Sexy Beast (2000)
Sexy Beast is darkly comical and, for a film that is mostly two geezers arguing, deeply visceral. This is thanks to the character of Don Logan, played by Sir Ben Kingsley. Don wants to hire Gal, an ex-criminal and safecracker, for a bank job in London. Gal is enjoying his retirement in the south of Spain and has left that world behind. He says no; Don gets mad. You get the idea. The premise behind Sexy Beast is simple, but its execution is sublime. From the beautiful cinematography panning over Gal’s Spanish villa to the nightmarish visions of a human-sized killer rabbit haunting Gal’s dreams, Sexy Beast is a disorienting yet slick film.
Ray Winstone plays the cockney hardman Gal. Ray has been a stalwart of the British hardman role ever since his first film Scum, and his physical presence further reinforces this (Ray was an accomplished boxer in his youth). It is probably why Sexy Beast is so memorable. Ray’s character Gal being belittled and terrorised by Kingsley’s character Don is so unusual, so unsettling; you really have no idea where it’s going to go. Ian McShane of Deadwood fame also makes an appearance as the quietly brooding London crime boss Teddy.
Sir Kingsley’s role earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. It was even mentioned in his cameo on The Sopranos, with Carmine Jr. and Christopher Moltisanti complimenting him on his performance: “No one plays a hard-hearted prick like you do!” Very true Carmine, very observant.
Kill List (2011)
Kill List isn’t strictly a gangster film—it’s more of a horror film, but the main characters are so typically Bri’ish-gangster that I felt compelled to add it. Ben Wheatley is the creative genius behind Kill List; much like his other work, every scene in Kill List has this underlying intensity where even the introductory domestic scenes feel like they could boil over into violence at any moment.
Jay and Gal are hitmen—surprise surprise. Jays’ wife isn’t too impressed with his lack of work, so the duo decide to take on a job from a mysterious employer. However, things aren’t all they seem (slight understatement). Neill Maskal plays the unhinged contract killer Jay to a tea, and the normally affable Michael Smiley nails Gal, whose disposition towards Jay’s degenerating mental state grows increasingly disturbed. Kill List is one of those films that stays with you for a while.
Conclusion
Box art from Grand Theft Auto London, clearly influenced by Get Carter’s promo posters.
So there you go—a rather nondescript list of some films you may enjoy if you like crime capers set in the soggy, dreary, birdshit-stained islands which we call Great Britain. I have kept out a few of the classics, such as The Italian Job and The Long Good Friday, but like I said, it’s not an exhaustive list, just films that I like of the genre. If you’ve got a problem with that, well maybe you should do something about it. You big facking mug, innit, oi you got a loicense for that non-descript list of Bri’ish crime falms, eh? Thought so, you big dosser.
Got a problem with this list? Insult, befriend, or profusely thank mrvaldov on the Countere Discord.
