A retirement that sets everyone in motion
Mickey Pearson has built a substantial marijuana business and wants to retire. Once the news spreads, different rivals try to turn the opportunity to their advantage. Guy Ritchie makes this a game of deception, negotiation and shifting interests. Little more needs to be known in advance: watching the characters play one another is part of the fun.
The dialogue carries the style
For me, The Gentlemen is a return to the gangster comedy Ritchie handled so well in his earlier films. Its language is funny, clever and exceptionally cool. The tone feels familiar while the film remains its own work. Viewers who love this kind of dialogue will have plenty to enjoy, although the distinctly vulgar humour may put others off.
An ensemble with palpable energy
Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding and Michelle Dockery already make a strong cast. Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant and Jeremy Strong add further energy. The action is also effectively staged and occasionally surprising. Ritchie, who also wrote and produced the film, develops his style with a clear sense of control.
Verdict
The Gentlemen is tremendous fun for me. Its actors, mutual deception and sharp conversations combine into a highly recommendable gangster comedy. The coarse language is a recognisable part of the tone rather than a detail to ignore. Viewers who enjoy Ritchie’s earlier gangster films should feel well served. My rating is 8 out of 10.
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