Review of Plunkett & Macleane (1999) by Calico W — 29 Nov 2012

I loved this movie - it had the kind of understated and subtle, intelligent humour that is all too rare these days. Witty, acerbic and thoroughly scurrilous. A titled brat with no brains and a very canny artisan who are both wanted by the law reluctantly join forces as highwaymen.

Historically only as accurate as it suits the story at the time, it has a surreal quality that is enchanting. It's effects are exceedingly good considering the movie is set in the mid 18th Century, and all the grittiness and disgusting filth of England at the time, is captured very well.

The character's are developed and fleshed out, from Jonny Lee Miller's Macleane's whoring antics to his development into highwayman and exhibitionary 'The Gentleman Highwayman' contrast well with Robert Carlyle's Plunkett, who's cynicism and honour show that you can love a thief and a criminal cos he has I quote [from the movie]: more nobility of soul in his little finger.

..than any of you bloated bastards has in your entire bodies!" If you haven't seen this cult classic, it's a must-see!