Tia Pennant-LewisThere are few things better than a film greatly exceeding your expectations. I thought from the trailer that I would enjoy St George’s Day, but I assumed it was more of a lad’s film so I seriously underestimated just how much I’d enjoy it.
The film was quite simply, outstanding. I thoroughly enjoyed every second from start to finish, so be prepared for some serious enthusiasm in this review.
St George’s Day follows notorious, top-of-the-food-chain London gangster cousins, Micky Mannock and Ray Collishaw. When the pair lose a shipment of the Russian Mafia’s cocaine, their carefully organized illegitimate lives are thrown into chaos.
With the clock ticking and the Mafia and the police at their heels, Micky and Ray are forced to race across Europe, desperately looking for a way to get the money they owe without getting caught.
Great concept, great plot and thankfully, a great ending! There were even some very well implemented twists thrown in.
The script was incredibly well written. I especially enjoyed the frequent references to Butch Cassidy and The Sundance Kid through certain lines. It was the cherry on top that made the script perfect; I’m sure any film fan would agree.
Speaking of perfect, the music was beautiful. Every time there was a particularly tense or violent scene, the most elegant and poignant music was played, it was mesmerising. So clever, and so well executed.
Another clever component (genius in fact) was the editing, which you’ll know I’m a big fan of if you’ve read my reviews. (I feel like a broken record here but I don’t know what else I can say, every aspect was outstanding!)
The characters were one of the best parts of the film because they were so likeable. I always find it surprising when I become attached to-for lack of a better word-questionable characters, but I did, very quickly and very easily.
The film boasts a large and impressive cast, so many of whom deserve commendation, but I won’t list them all. I must of course mention however, the two leads, played absolutely superbly by Frank Harper and Craig Fairbrass.
Extra kudos has to be given to Frank Harper for co-writing and directing the movie as well. I have serious respect for people who can direct and play a main part in a movie, especially when both jobs are done so well. What makes it even more impressive is that St George’s Day is his directorial debut; hats off to you Mr. Harper!
I always aim to give a fair and balanced review for any film, so I try to look for aspects that could be improved but for this one, I am seriously struggling to find some.
Sure, I could say that the film didn’t really add anything to the genre which I suppose is true, but even that is a desperate attempt at some sort of criticism that really isn’t working.
What can I say? I adored this film! It’s a good old fashioned Gangster movie that is a credit to British cinema. If there was anything that could be improved then it went over my head because I enjoyed the movie so much, and I’d be lying if I said otherwise. If that doesn’t persuade you to watch it, then I don’t know what will!
10/10.