Face

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John C Believe it or not, Britain did make decent gangster films prior to Guy Ritchie’s arrival with ‘Lock Stock’ style of film-making. And, one of those that has and probably always will be eclipsed by Ritchie’s way of film-making will be ‘Face.’ And that’s slightly surprising as it has two – reasonably – big names in British cinema in the lead roles – Robert Carlyle and Ray Winstone. Perhaps one of its ‘flaws’ (and I put that word in quotes because, personally, I don’t consider it a flaw) is the way it’s directed. It’s hardly an exercise in style. Ritchie’s ‘Lock Stock’ films were that rare breed that seamlessly blended style AND substance. Well, Face does have the substance to be a great film, it just doesn’t have the style. It feels a bit like a ‘made-for-TV’ movie (perhaps because it was made by the BBC?) with its *slightly* bland style of direction. There’s no snappy montages or cracking tunes to heighten the mood and atmosphere. This is probably why it never really appealed to the masses. It’s about a bank robbery gone wrong (yes, I know that brief summary also sums up Reservoir Dogs, but, trust me, it’s nothing like that). The criminals get away with the loot, but someone wants it all and are prepared to use – lethal – force to get it. Okay, so it doesn’t have the style of Lock Stock or the instant cool of a Tarrantino movie, but it is a good little number in its own right. If you’re into your gangster films and aren’t looking for something ‘uber-cool’ then you could do worse than watch this one. You’ll probably find it on TV late at night, or as part of a TV/Movie streaming service. If so, it’s definitely worth a watch. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 11/04/24 Full Review Audience Member Keeps you on your toes and guessing until the end. Robert Carlyle gives a fantastic performance as the dark yet somehow lovable Ray. Highly recommend! Rated 5/5 Stars •  Rated 5 out of 5 stars 02/08/23 Full Review Audience Member gritty british gangster heist movie.prefer this to snatch and just as violent as fight club. Rated 3/5 Stars •  Rated 3 out of 5 stars 01/17/23 Full Review Audience Member It all went down hill after Gerry Conlon's scene at the start. Predictable plot and the whole left wing sub plot was pointless. Still decent turns from Carlyle, Winstone and in particular Phil Davis makes it watchable. Rated 2/5 Stars •  Rated 2 out of 5 stars 01/20/23 Full Review Audience Member a well-assembled cast alone could not save the poor storytelling. Rated 2.5/5 Stars •  Rated 2.5 out of 5 stars 01/22/23 Full Review Audience Member A British gangster film with a bit more in the ways of brains than your average mockney rubbish. Ray is an armed robber and a face which is slang for a known villian. He and his team of armed robbers carry out a daring raid on a money depository which should leave them well in the black,only trouble is their isnt enough money to go round and one of the gang is starting to get greedy. What makes this film rise above the norm is the cast,Robert Carlyle is first rate as Dave a man with a troubled past who is desperate to free him self from a life of crime. Ray Winstone is great also as Dave a family man who wants out as well but for his own reasons . Stevie is Rays friend and again Steven Waddington excells inthe role. But for my money its Phil Davis as Julian who steals the film . One minute he is going crazy with a shotgun the next cradling his son in his arms its a performance that stays the right side of parody thanks to Davis making Julian a human being as well as a nutcase. Damon Albarn turns up and is ok ,but the robbery itself and a street gunbattle are deftly handled so that outweighs his rather soggy performance. An excellent and one well worth seeking out if you have had enough of cliched gangster movies. Rated 4/5 Stars •  Rated 4 out of 5 stars 02/23/23 Full Review Read all reviews

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