St George's Day

St George's Day is a ferocious and fast-paced British crime thriller directed by Frank Harper and released in 2012. With an intriguing plotline that sprawls across London, Berlin, and Amsterdam, it boasts a stellar cast made up of accomplished actors such as Charles Dance, Craig Fairbrass, and Vincent Regan.

The story revolves around the unholy world of organised crime, specifically zooming in on the lives of two infamous London gangster cousins, Mickey 'Brains' Mannock, played by Frank Harper himself, and Ray 'Razor' Collishaw, portrayed by Craig Fairbrass. They are depicted as two of the most feared criminals in London who are on the top of their game. However, all isn't as smooth as it seems in their world. When they unwittingly lose a shipment of the Russian Mafia's cocaine in the North Sea, they find themselves in a precarious situation where they need to reimburse the Mafia with £5 million.

Charles Dance plays the role of Trenchard, a sinister yet charming old-school con, who lends a memorable hit to the movie. Vincent Regan appears as Albert Ball, a fellow mobster with his set of problems and entanglement with the crime world. Dance and Regan's performances add a powerful depth to the overall atmosphere of the movie.

The plot intensifies as the circumstances force the cousins to become involved in a high-stakes game of survival that includes a heist on London's largest wholesale diamond operations, making no place safe for them anymore.

St George's Day isn't merely a crime thriller; it offers a deep dive into the workings of a criminal mind and an exploration of loyalty and betrayal within the underworld. The main characters find themselves treading dangerous paths, facing adversaries on all fronts. Despite their tumultuous life choices, these characters are humanised by their bonds of family, adding an emotional depth to the narrative.

The film balances intense action sequences with a sense of humour inherited from the British genre classics. Packed full of twists and turns, it combines the elements of heist thrillers and gangster movies, often keeping viewers on edge with an unpredictable narrative. One cannot ignore the pivotal role of the city of London itself, which emerges as a ghostly backdrop that encapsulates the darkened world the characters inhabit. Geographically, the film expands well into glimmers of Berlin and Amsterdam, presenting a multi-city crime saga.

As a director, Harper has done an excellent job in crafting a gritty yet entertaining look into the criminal underbelly of London. The cinematography captures the urban landscape's cold beauty while the intricate plotline, littered with compelling chases, heists, betrayals, and confrontations, makes for a riveting viewing experience.

St George's Day also features a brilliant supporting cast including Neil Maskell, Dexter Fletcher, and Nick Moran. Their performances add flavour and variety to the film, contributing to an enhanced plot depth and drama.

The writing is tight, with a wonderful mix of tension, humour, and drama. The dialogue is sharp and often amusing, with language that rings true for the characters and their circumstances. While it is violent and brutal in places, this is balanced effectively with moments of lightheartedness and dark humour.

Despite being a crime thriller with all its brutal realism, the undercurrent of the story is showcased against the narrated traditions of a St George’s Day celebration. This adds an element of historical and cultural context to the film, making it even more engaging for the audience.

In conclusion, St George's Day is a visceral thrill ride that gives viewers a glimpse into London's criminal underworld. A crime saga that stands out for its engaging characters, thrilling plot, humour, intensity, and the intricate portrayal of London's dark side, it is a must-watch for those who love heist movies and British crime thrillers. From the performances of the lead cast members through the suspenseful turn of events to the immersive city landscapes, the film is a gritty and riveting addition to British cinema's crime genre.