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The plot begins with the theft of a massive 86-carat diamond
and an introduction to the heavy underworld of British gangsters.
Throw in an American crime boss and a psychotic Russian arms
dealer - who doesn't seem able to be killed - and you have
an explosive mix.
Now, step one pace to the side and begin a second plotline
that involves illegal boxing, gambling, the underworld (again)
and a collection of gypsies known as Pikeys.
Entwine the two and watch as the sparks first fly between
each plot's characters and then positively explode as the
plots collide.
There are suffocations, shootings, people being killed by
dogs, eaten by pigs and a really nasty chap called Bricktop,
who has to be one of the most evil screen characters seen
in a very long time.
One scene has about a dozen people killed in seconds. Whew.
Funny thing is, that if it all wasn't so black humoured, it
would have copped an R-65 rating.
While the acting is terrific from all concerned, and the
movie has got a few big names in the forms of Brad Pitt and
Denis Farina, the star of Snatch is the way the story
was written and is handled. Hats off to Guy Ritchie for excellence
in both.
The transfer on to DVD is excellent and the use of low light
and night shots build tension brilliantly in a broodingly,
color-subdued London. And, having spent a couple of winters
freezing my goolies off there, the memories of an icicle-stiff
moustache come hurtling back.
The audio is pretty good, considering the accents, although
I have no doubt that everyone will struggle trying to get
a grip on Pitt's unintelligible Pikey talk. (There are Pikey
subtitles available.)
This is a must-see, must-have movie. Once you've seen it,
you'll want to go back again and again to catch up on what
you missed on previous viewings.
Terrific!
Conclusion: Movie 90%, Extras 85%
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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