Director:Â Guy Ritchie
Genre:Â Crime Comedy/Action Thriller
Release Year:Â 2020
Guy Ritchie returns to his roots with “The Gentlemen,” a slick British crime caper that feels like a spiritual successor to his early masterpieces “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” and “Snatch.” The film follows American expatriate Mickey Pearson, who has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London and now wants to cash out by selling his business to the highest bidder. What should be a straightforward transaction quickly spirals into a web of schemes, blackmail, and betrayal as various parties circle like vultures around his lucrative operation.
Storyline & Plot
At its core, “The Gentlemen” is a story about power, loyalty, and the art of the deal, wrapped in Ritchie’s trademark style of interconnected criminal enterprises. The plot revolves around Mickey Pearson’s attempt to sell his sophisticated cannabis growing operation—hidden beneath the estates of cash-strapped British aristocrats—to Matthew Berger, a fellow American businessman. However, the deal attracts unwanted attention from various unsavory characters, including Chinese gangster Dry Eye, who believes he deserves the business, and a tabloid editor seeking to expose and extort Mickey’s operation.
The narrative is dialogue-heavy and character-driven, unfolding through the perspective of Fletcher, a sleazy private investigator who recounts the events to Raymond, Mickey’s right-hand man. This framing device allows Ritchie to employ his beloved nonlinear storytelling approach, jumping between timelines and perspectives while maintaining a brisk, engaging pace. The tone perfectly balances dark humor with genuine tension, creating moments of laugh-out-loud comedy alongside genuinely suspenseful sequences.
The story explores themes of class, tradition versus modernity, and the corrupting influence of money. Ritchie cleverly uses the contrast between old-money British aristocracy and new-money criminal enterprise to examine how different forms of power operate in contemporary society.
Characters & Cast
Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Pearson
delivers one of his most charismatic performances as the smooth-talking American drug lord. McConaughey brings his signature laid-back charm to the role while maintaining an underlying menace that makes Mickey both likable and dangerous. His Mickey is sophisticated, calculating, and fiercely protective of his empire and family.
Charlie Hunnam as Raymond
serves as Mickey's loyal lieutenant and moral compass. Hunnam portrays Raymond as the consummate professional—calm, efficient, and unwaveringly loyal. His chemistry with McConaughey anchors the film's emotional core.
Hugh Grant as Fletcher
Hugh Grant as Fletcher steals every scene he's in as the blackmailing private investigator. Grant clearly relishes playing against type, delivering a deliciously sleazy performance that showcases his comedic timing and dramatic range. Fletcher is manipulative, cowardly, and oddly charming—a perfect vehicle for Grant's talents.
Colin Farrell as Coach
Colin Farrell as Coach provides much of the film's heart and humor as a working-class boxing trainer trying to protect his young fighters. Farrell brings warmth and authenticity to what could have been a stereotypical role, making Coach one of the film's most likable characters.
Henry Golding as Dry Eye
Henry Golding as Dry Eye effectively portrays the ambitious young gangster whose arrogance and impatience drive much of the conflict. Golding balances Dry Eye's surface sophistication with an underlying ruthlessness.
Michelle Dockery as Rosalind Pearson
Michelle Dockery as Rosalind Pearson brings intelligence and fierce loyalty to Mickey's wife, though the role could have been more developed. Dockery makes the most of her screen time, showing Rosalind as Mickey's equal partner rather than just a trophy wife.
Direction & Style
Ritchie’s direction feels confident and assured, marking a welcome return to the crime genre that made his reputation. His visual style combines kinetic camera work with carefully composed shots that emphasize both the gritty underworld settings and the opulent world of British high society. The pacing is expertly managed, building tension through dialogue and character interactions rather than relying solely on action sequences.
The film feels distinctly like vintage Ritchie—fast-talking criminals, elaborate schemes, and interconnected storylines—while avoiding the self-indulgent excess that marred some of his later works. The violence, when it comes, is sudden and impactful rather than gratuitous, serving the story rather than dominating it.
Ritchie’s trademark use of montages and stylized transitions helps maintain momentum and visual interest throughout the film’s dialogue-heavy scenes. His direction of the ensemble cast creates a sense of lived-in relationships and genuine camaraderie among the characters.
Cinematography, Music & Technical Aspects
Cinematographer Alan Stewart captures both the grimy underbelly of London’s criminal world and the pristine estates of the aristocracy with equal skill. The visual contrast between these worlds reinforces the film’s themes while maintaining a consistent aesthetic that feels both contemporary and timeless.
The editing by James Herbert maintains Ritchie’s signature rapid-fire pace without becoming overwhelming. Quick cuts and clever transitions keep the energy high during exposition-heavy scenes, while longer takes allow the actors’ performances to breathe during key dramatic moments.
The soundtrack, featuring a mix of hip-hop, electronic, and classical music, perfectly complements the film’s tone and energy. The music choices feel organic to each scene rather than forced, enhancing the atmosphere without drawing attention away from the performances.
Audience Appeal
“The Gentlemen” will particularly appeal to fans of British crime films, witty ensemble pieces, and Guy Ritchie’s earlier work. Viewers who enjoyed “Snatch,” “RocknRolla,” or even recent films like “The Nice Guys” will find plenty to appreciate here. The film rewards attention to detail and appreciation for clever dialogue, making it perfect for audiences who enjoy films they can discuss and dissect afterward.
Fans of any of the lead actors, particularly those curious to see Hugh Grant in a villainous role or Matthew McConaughey in a British crime setting, will find the performances alone worth the price of admission. The film also appeals to viewers who appreciate stories about loyalty, friendship, and the codes of honor that exist even in criminal enterprises.
However, those seeking non-stop action or straightforward storytelling might find the dialogue-heavy approach and complex plot structure less appealing.
Overall Impression
“The Gentlemen” succeeds as both entertainment and a showcase for excellent ensemble acting. The film’s greatest strength lies in its character relationships and the genuine affection between allies that makes their loyalty feel earned rather than convenient. Ritchie’s script crackles with wit and intelligence, giving each actor memorable moments to shine.
The film’s weaknesses are relatively minor—some plot threads could be tighter, and a few characters could use more development—but these don’t significantly detract from the overall experience. The movie strikes an excellent balance between humor and tension, never allowing either element to overwhelm the other.
What makes “The Gentlemen” particularly satisfying is how it demonstrates that Ritchie hasn’t lost his touch for creating compelling crime stories filled with memorable characters and sharp dialogue. It feels both familiar and fresh, honoring the director’s past successes while proving he can still surprise audiences.
Verdict: ★★★★☆ (4/5 stars)
“This is a must-watch if you enjoy clever crime comedies with stellar ensemble casts and razor-sharp dialogue.”
“The Gentlemen” is a thoroughly entertaining return to form for Guy Ritchie that reminds us why his brand of stylish British crime films became so influential. While it may not break new ground, it executes its familiar formula with such skill and charm that it feels like catching up with old friends. For fans of intelligent crime capers and excellent character acting, “The Gentlemen” delivers exactly what it promises—a sophisticated, funny, and thoroughly engaging ride through London’s criminal underworld.
