Review of Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998) by Jacob O — 02 Jan 2011

"A deep exploration into London's East End...".

In the dangerous, dirty area of London not portrayed on the tourist maps, four egotistical young men stake their cash in a card game with prestigious porn king and killer, Hatchet Harry. They inadvertently lose and end up owing half a million pounds, with only one week to come up with the cash. With undoubted painful death at their doorstep, the men turn to desperate measures in order to pay back the debt.

Guy Ritchie's feature film debut, made for less than £1,000,000, is a masterpiece. It is violent and a little too testosterone-fuelled for some, but it's also deeply atmospheric and wickedly funny. It's made with the utmost confidence by a first-time director and is reminiscent of classic independent films such as "Reservoir Dogs" and "Trainspotting". Yes it's that good.

Characterisations are key to the success of "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels". Hilariously titled characters in the film include "Soap", "Bacon" and the thug "Barry the Baptist"; his name originating from his dirty work of drowning people in buckets for Hatchet Harry.

Some may argue that the characters are major caricatures of themselves, due to the often stereotyped image of fast-talking, violent cockneys, but it's easy to ignore and instead indulge in the witty, very dark humour spread across the script.

It's neither over-violent nor tame. Though many of the stronger scenes take place off-screen, it's still gritty and no-nonsense, despite the often casual approach by the protagonists. Particularly effective is the use of rock music throughout which gives the film a sense of non-formulaic fun.

Of course, it can be difficult to understand the strong-accented characters at times, as well as the elaborate and twisting plot. Give it a second try. As flimsy as it might seem, put the subtitles on and you'll realise how clever it really is.

This film was the debut of Jason Statham, a little-known former black market salesman, diver and fashion model. Statham was introduced to Guy Ritchie and for his audition was asked to impersonate a street salesman and persuade him to buy some fake jewellery. After he got the part and gave an extraordinary performance, his career was practically set.

And indeed, with this film, Ritchie proved himself to be a writer and director to be reckoned with, as his sharply-written dialogue and confident direction showed.