

The Gentlemen (2019)
63 1 1 0
Listed by
Trish Smith
Updated
January 04, 2025
Movie Info
Year Released
Movie Overview | The Gentlemen (2019)
A talented American graduate of Oxford, using his unique skills, and audacity, creates a marijuana empire using the estates of impoverished British aristocrats. However, when he tries to sell his empire to a fellow American billionaire, a chain of events unfolds, involving blackmail, deception, mayhem and murder between street thugs, Russian oligarchs, Triad gangsters and gutter journalists.
Share this
Videos All Videos (1) Listing Videos (1)
User reviews
Very Entertaining
(Updated: January 04, 2025)
Overall rating
3.8
Entertainment Factor
5.0
Story
4.0
Actors Performance
4.0
Cinematography
3.0
Sound Track
3.0
Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen is a masterclass in slick, stylish storytelling. As a film that simultaneously pays homage to Ritchie’s early works, such as Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) and Snatch (2000), and evolves his signature style into something more mature, it is a breath of fresh air in the world of contemporary gangster movies. With its wry humor, clever dialogue, fast-paced editing, and a stellar ensemble cast, The Gentlemen stands as a return to form for Ritchie after a period of exploring other genres, including the Sherlock Holmes series and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword (2017).
At its core, The Gentlemen is a film about power, greed, and the machinations of the British underworld. It delves into the intricacies of the drug trade, not only examining the money at its core but also the loyalty, betrayal, and respect that fuel the relationships among its players. What elevates the film above a typical gangster story is Ritchie’s impeccable knack for blending dark comedy with thrilling action, creating a story that is both engaging and amusing in equal measure.
Plot Summary
The film follows Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), an American expatriate who has built an immensely profitable marijuana empire in London. When he decides to sell his business to a wealthy billionaire named Matthew Berger (Jeremy Strong), the deal sets off a chain of events that reveals the deep, and often dangerous, connections within the world of drug lords, politicians, and media moguls. As Pearson looks to retire quietly and secure a future for his wife, Rosalind (Michelle Dockery), it becomes clear that his underworld success has made him a target for rivals, both local and international.
The movie is structured around a story within a story: an investigative journalist, Fletcher (Hugh Grant), recounts the tale of Mickey Pearson to Ray (Charlie Hunnam), Pearson’s loyal right-hand man. Fletcher is looking for a payday by threatening to expose secrets from Pearson’s empire in exchange for a lucrative deal. This narrative device is one of Ritchie’s trademarks, providing not only the framework for the film’s nonlinear structure but also an opportunity to play with perspective and unreliable narration. Fletcher, as a character, is both a source of information and a manipulator, his recounting of events shaping the way we perceive the story.
Themes and Tone
The Gentlemen is an exploration of the intersection between honor and ruthlessness. Throughout the film, the idea of "gentlemen" is repeatedly questioned, as characters who inhabit the underworld both uphold certain codes of conduct and also manipulate situations to their advantage. Mickey Pearson is at the center of this moral ambiguity, a man who has risen to power through his business acumen and strategic alliances but is still capable of violence when necessary. His sharp intellect and sense of loyalty set him apart from many of the other criminals in the film, but his ability to manipulate situations and people makes him an unreliable narrator of his own story.
The film also explores the theme of the "old guard" versus the "new guard" in the criminal world. The movie pits Mickey against various forces: the Asian crime syndicate led by Dry Eye (Henry Golding), the ambitious and ruthless young gun looking to claim his piece of the empire; the press, in the form of Fletcher; and the seemingly legitimate businessman Matthew Berger, who is willing to play dirty to secure his stake in the drug trade. As the story unfolds, it’s clear that Mickey’s brand of “gentlemanly” crime, though brutal, is ultimately less cutthroat than the newer, more brazen players vying for control.
Ritchie’s choice to set the story within the framework of a crime comedy is key to its success. The film’s irreverent humor, peppered with sarcastic quips and deadpan delivery, keeps the narrative from becoming too grim. The interplay between the often absurd situations and the characters’ seriousness provides a unique tonal balance that makes the film both entertaining and thrilling. In this sense, The Gentlemen is not just about the violence and the criminal acts; it’s about the personalities involved, how they interact, and the absurdity that lies at the heart of their dealings.
Characters and Performances
The standout performance of The Gentlemen comes from Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Pearson. He effortlessly blends charm with menace, and though his character is clearly a criminal mastermind, McConaughey imbues him with enough charisma and complexity to make him sympathetic. Pearson is not some one-dimensional villain; he’s a man who has earned his place in the world but is also weary of the constant power struggles that come with it. McConaughey’s portrayal of Mickey’s quiet yet assured confidence is a significant reason why the film resonates so strongly. There is a sense of moral ambiguity that makes Mickey an intriguing character to watch, and McConaughey handles this balance with aplomb.
Hugh Grant, in a role unlike any he’s done before, is also fantastic as Fletcher. His character is both sleazy and charming, a man whose outward persona as a posh, bumbling writer hides a much sharper mind. Grant’s performance is full of nuance, and his ability to shift between smarmy humor and moments of genuine threat is one of the highlights of the film. He’s a constant presence throughout, narrating the story in a way that keeps the audience hooked, even as we begin to question his reliability.
Charlie Hunnam, as Ray, provides a strong supporting performance, grounding the film’s more over-the-top moments with a sense of stoic practicality. Ray is the muscle of the operation, the loyal enforcer who helps keep Mickey’s empire running smoothly. Hunnam’s physicality and understated demeanor offer a counterbalance to some of the more eccentric characters, and his chemistry with McConaughey adds depth to their relationship. Other noteworthy performances come from Michelle Dockery as Rosalind, Mickey’s fiercely loyal wife, and Jeremy Strong as the arrogant and calculating Matthew Berger.
One of the film’s pleasant surprises is Henry Golding’s portrayal of Dry Eye, a character who initially seems to be a stereotypical villain but ultimately proves to be more layered and unpredictable than expected. Golding brings a menacing yet charismatic energy to the role, elevating what could have been a clichéd character into something more interesting.
Cinematic Style and Direction
Visually, The Gentlemen is a treat. Ritchie’s direction is sharp and confident, with the fast-paced editing and stylized camerawork that he’s known for. The film features numerous action set pieces, but it’s the way Ritchie choreographs these moments with precision and wit that sets them apart. The humor in these sequences, often undercut by sudden violence or absurd situations, creates a tension that keeps the audience on edge. Cinematographer Alan Stewart’s work here is visually dynamic, employing a range of techniques, from tracking shots to clever cross-cutting, that keeps the pace brisk and the tension high.
The use of music also deserves mention. The score, composed by Christopher Benstead, is moody and atmospheric, supporting the film’s tone while never overpowering the narrative. The soundtrack, much like the film itself, is a mix of the old and the new, blending classic tracks with modern beats, much like the blend of traditional and contemporary elements in the story.
Conclusion
The Gentlemen is a highly entertaining crime caper that showcases Guy Ritchie at the top of his game. It’s a film that deftly combines sharp humor, engaging characters, and intricate storytelling with the director’s signature flair for stylish action. The film’s exploration of power, greed, and loyalty is both thrilling and darkly comedic, and its ensemble cast delivers exceptional performances across the board. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Ritchie’s work or a newcomer to his films, The Gentlemen is an absolute blast—a smart, slick, and thoroughly enjoyable ride through the underworld of London’s criminal elite.
Sponsored