A stunning film that has gone relatively un-noticed to the UK public but has, in my mind, one of the hardest and scariest gangster enforcer characters ever portrayed in cinema.
The opening scene has Ray Winstone (Gal) sunning his bronzed body whilst sporting gold speedo's, an image never to forget, lazing on a li-lo in his swimming pool where he just misses being crushed from a boulder falling from the cliff above. He is living the high life and making the most of his retirement somewhere in sun drenched Spain. Content and happy with all he has. Until that is, he gets the call that Don Logan is coming to see him.
It's a gripping gangster film that has some extreme violence, but moreover it's the depth and strength of the characters that carry the film all the way through to final credits.
Ben Kingsley is absolutely superb as Don Logan, sent to bring Gal back for once last heist.
Even the mention of his name sparks fear amongst Gal's wife (fantastic performance from Amanda Redman) and friends. And you can feel that fear which builds constantly until Logan arrives. Kingsley doesn't need to prove how hard or violent he is, which he does, because he plays the character so well you can sense it. You can feel his venom. A lot.
Ian McShane also provides a brilliant performance (if not his best ever) as Teddy Bass the mob boss who has set up the job. A bank robbery that takes place underwater!
A truly fantastic piece of UK film making that deserves greater audience recognition.
Without doubt Kingsley is at his magnificent best and for me plays the hardest, scariest and most threatening hard man to ever appear on film. And that's saying something.
A film to watch, enjoy and put in your list of top 25 best ever movies.