We Still Steal The Old Way

We Still Steal The Old Way, is a 2016 British crime drama, directed by Sacha Bennett and featuring a robust cast, including Ian Ogilvy, Tony Denham, and Christopher Ellison. The movie is a sequel to the 2014 film 'We Still Kill The Old Way', in which the former villains and their code of honour made a significant impact on the audience. This sequel delivers the same elements, with an amplified level of audacity, wit, and sentiment that made its predecessor a compelling watch.

The one-of-a-kind narrative offers a captivating fusion of old-school gangster style, razor-sharp humour, and a healthy dose of reality-based commentary. The plot unfolds as the time-honoured, loyal band of East End rogues find themselves back in the criminal playground of London, throwing light on the theme of timeless loyalties, age-old crimes, and the hard-boiled conviction of the titular characters.

Ian Ogilvy reprises his role as Richie Archer, the dapper and disciplined crime patriarch, heading a closely-knit gang that held its own in the London underworld during the swinging sixties. He struts with the old-world charm and displays an effortless gravitas, demonstrating loyalty, integrity and a sense of justice that makes his character indeed charismatic.

Tony Denham plays the role of Butch, a trustworthy and dedicated old-school gangster, who irrespective of his gruff exterior carries a sense of empathy and loyalty. While he may not mince words, his straightforward approach, coupled with an uncanny ability to unnerve opponents, makes him a riveting character to watch on screen.

The versatile actor, Christopher Ellison, plays the role of Roy, known for his tough exterior and an air of unpredictability. Ellison’s portrayal of Roy, however, reveals a lot more depth to the character as the threads of the narrative unfold.

An exciting twist to this traditional crime thriller recipe is the strategic decision of the gang to get caught for their initial heist. The goal: orchestrate a daring jailbreak. With this audacious move, the plot runs on twin tracks, one on the outside world and another within the confines of a maximum-security prison. The film, therefore, strikes a balance between intense action sequences, simmering confrontations, and layered subplots, educating the audience on the resourcefulness of this band of criminals, who may be aging but are undoubtedly not out.

The movie isn't shy about highlighting socio-political issues either. It provides commentary on the contemporary crime scenario, discussing the blurred lines of morality within the justice system, and reflects upon the evolution of the criminal landscape, subtly hinting at the dilution of loyalty, honour, and ethics.

These characters, however, are more than mere criminals. They're representation of an old world trying to stay relevant in the face of a changing new order. Their charm exudes a distinct sense of melancholia, longing for a time when codes of honour still mattered, even in the underworld.

Technically, the film is well-crafted, with a robust script, expressive dialogues, atmospheric cinematography, and genuineness in the characters' portrayal that effectively resonates with the audience. The script cleverly oscillates between the tension-building sequences and the quiet of introspective moments, making for a textured cinematic experience.

With We Still Steal The Old Way, director Sacha Bennett offers a different take on its predecessor's essence, making a bold statement on ageing, changing landscapes, broken allegiances and redemption. Despite its heavy subject matter and intense plot twists, the film's underlying strand of sardonic humour contributes to its distinct appeal.

In conclusion, We Still Steal The Old Way serves as an intense, yet humorous, crime drama that packs a punch with its gripping narrative, illustrious cast, and old-school charm. It takes the audience down a nostalgia-ridden journey as it celebrates the spirit of tried-and-tested crime methodologies of yesteryear in a rapidly changing world.