Review of Mona Lisa (1973) by James G — 23 Dec 2007

Gritty, romantic modern-day film noir about an ex-con who descends into the criminal underworld, way out of his depth, in a misguided but well-intentioned attempt to be Cathy Tyson's knight in shining armour.

The film is set in the London of the mid '80s and really shows off how seedy and grimy parts of London where before property developers came in and yuppified the Thames area. A tense climactic showdown at wet and windy Southend is another great location feature.

Robbie Coltrane also offers fine support as Hoskins' best friend, and Cathy Tyson puts some real flesh onto the bones of the "tart with a heart" cliche, Michael Caine is also notable playing a particularly seedy gangland lord.