Review of Plunkett & Macleane (1999) by Stuart K — 18 Oct 2009
Sir Ridder's son, Jake Scott made his directorial debut with this different kind of period film, about highwaymen, who rob from the rich, and that's it. It's very stylish, and it's visually very good, with a good cast.
But, it is a bit of a mess. It's an example of ambition over adversity. It begins with lowlife highwayman Plunkett (Robert Carlyle), being captured by Police Detective Chance (Ken Stott), and his partner in crime killed.
However, Plunkett soon escapes justice with his new partner Captain Macleane (Jonny Lee Miller), a disgraced soldier, who has fallen from grace. They decide to team up and they become known as The Highway Gentlemen, and when they hold up the coach of Lord Chief Justice Gibson (Michael Gambon).
Macleane falls for his niece Lady Rebecca Gibson (Liv Tyler), however, Detective Chance is also fond of Rebecca and he wants her for his own, but he is also determied to bring down these two highwaymen.
It's a novel idea, and it's different by adding a modern attitude from it's characters and a hard, banging soundtrack by composer Craig Armstrong and The Tiger Lillies. It is a bit messy, but it's an entertaining mess nontheless.
But, it's a pity Scott hasn't followed this up, he showed potential here.
This review of Plunkett & Macleane (1999) was written by Stuart K on 18 Oct 2009.
Plunkett & Macleane has generally received positive reviews.
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