RocknRolla (2008) – Guy Ritchie Returns to His Cockney Crime Roots
If you’ve been craving that distinctly British mix of sharp wit, kinetic action, and labyrinthine plotting that made Guy Ritchie a household name, welcome back to London’s criminal underworld. After the missteps of Revolver and Swept Away, Ritchie returns to his cockney gangster roots with RocknRolla. While it doesn’t quite reach the iconic heights of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels or Snatch, it’s a confident step in the right direction.
Introduction
Imagine settling in for what seems like another routine heist movie, only to be instantly immersed in a world where Russian billionaires, old-school gangsters, and streetwise hustlers circle the same prize like sharks. RocknRolla↗️ isn’t just a story—it’s a full-blown Guy Ritchie criminal carnival, packed with double-crosses, razor-sharp dialogue, and bone-crunching action. But this time, Ritchie doesn’t forget the most important ingredient: a story worth following.
Storyline & Plot
The film centers on a massive London real estate deal, orchestrated by Russian billionaire Uri Omovich (Karel Roden), who enlists the cooperation of gangster Lenny Cole (Tom Wilkinson) to grease the bureaucratic wheels. When Uri offers his prized “lucky painting” as collateral, chaos ensues—featuring theft, betrayal, and miscommunication worthy of a Rube Goldberg machine.
Our entry point is One Two (Gerard Butler), a small-time crook navigating the treacherous collision of Uri’s money, Lenny’s wrath, and the manipulations of Uri’s cunning accountant, Stella (Thandiwe Newton). Unlike Ritchie’s mid-2000s misfires, the plot is complex but never incomprehensible—you can actually follow the money trail, even as it changes hands repeatedly.
Ritchie’s signature rapid-fire dialogue drives much of the narrative, allowing characters to breathe and reveal themselves. The pacing strikes a perfect balance: frenetic enough to keep you hooked but coherent enough to understand who’s scheming against whom. Beyond style, the film explores real-world anxieties about gentrification, political corruption, and the clash between old and new money.
Characters & Cast
The ensemble cast elevates RocknRolla:
- Gerard Butler (One Two): Clever yet fallible, Butler grounds the film with a relatable small-time crook navigating a high-stakes criminal maze.
- Tom Wilkinson (Lenny Cole): Magnetic as the old-school gangster with a strict code, balancing menace and dark humor perfectly.
- Thandiwe Newton (Stella): Brilliantly calculating, Newton exudes intelligence and elegance, making her presence felt without overacting.
- Tom Hardy (Handsome Bob): Transforms what could have been comic relief into a nuanced, unpredictable character.
- Mark Strong (Archy) & Toby Kebbell (Johnny Quid): Provide moral grounding and wild unpredictability, respectively, keeping the story vibrant.
- Supporting Cast: Idris Elba and Jeremy Piven add memorable touches, ensuring even minor roles shine.
Direction & Style
Ritchie demonstrates maturity as a visual storyteller, toning down stylistic excess while retaining his kinetic energy. Scenes breathe, characters develop beyond archetypes, and the editing serves the story rather than overwhelming it. The film captures both the gritty underworld and glossy modern London, emphasizing the clash of tradition versus change.
Compared to Snatch, RocknRolla is less manic and more focused, hitting a sweet spot similar to the works of Martin McDonagh. It’s stylish but never style over substance.
Cinematography, Music & Technical Aspects
David Higgs’ cinematography showcases London as both playground and battleground, shifting between warm, earthy pub tones and cold, sterile corporate spaces.
The soundtrack, featuring tracks like The Subways’ “Rock & Roll Queen,” functions as an additional character, defining moods and characters without feeling intrusive. Editing, sound design, and visual flair work together to create an immersive, heightened-yet-believable environment.
Audience Appeal
RocknRolla is ideal for fans of smart crime films with witty dialogue and intricate plots. If you enjoyed The Gentlemen, In Bruges, or earlier Ritchie films, this will scratch the same itch. It’s ensemble-driven, morally complex, and darkly humorous. Those seeking simple action or clear-cut heroes may find it less satisfying.
Comparable films include Kiss Kiss Bang Bang and The Nice Guys, which balance humor with clever, layered storytelling.
Overall Impression
RocknRolla marks Guy Ritchie finding his footing again. While not groundbreaking, it’s an entertaining return to form, confident in its style, sharp in its dialogue, and coherent in its storytelling. Minor flaws include occasional subplot overload and stylized violence that might feel excessive to some.
Verdict: ★★★★☆ (8/10)
A must-watch for crime caper enthusiasts seeking clever plotting, memorable characters, and stylish direction that elevates even mundane conversations into cinematic moments.
