The British Gangster Films Martin Scorsese Can’t Stop Raving About – And You Shouldn’t Either!
Think gangster movies are just flashy American mafia tales? Think again! Martin Scorsese, the godfather of gangster cinema, reveals his deep love for gritty British gangster films that cut through the glam and show crime in its raw, brutal form. And guess what? He’s got two must-watch recommendations that will blow your mind and shatter your stereotypes.
The Long Good Friday – London’s Brutal Underbelly Exposed
First up is “The Long Good Friday” (1980), a masterpiece by John Mackenzie. The film centers on Harold Shand, played by the legendary Bob Hoskins, a London gangster with a dream to turn his criminal empire into a legitimate business using American investments. But during Easter weekend, his world starts to crumble – bombings, betrayals, and sabotage come out of nowhere. Harold must find out who’s trying to take him down.
This film is famous for its brutal honesty and its portrayal of London as a city caught between old traditions and a new global economy. Hoskins’ performance is unforgettable – in one scene, he perfectly balances cold menace with deep vulnerability. Helen Mirren as Victoria, Harold’s partner, isn’t just eye candy; she’s as smart and dangerous as the men around her.
Without “The Long Good Friday,” you can’t really understand later British gangster hits like “Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels” or “Snatch.”
Down Terrace – A Family Gangster Drama Like No Other
The second film Scorsese recommends is “Down Terrace” (2009), the directorial debut of Ben Wheatley. Unlike the grand, violent gangster sagas, this film offers an intimate, almost theatrical look at a small-time crime family running their operation from their home in Brighton. When the son Karl returns from prison, paranoia and suspicion tear the family apart – one of them is an informant.
It’s a dark comedy and tragedy rolled into one, with a claustrophobic atmosphere of constant mistrust and tension. Most of the action happens inside the house, focusing on sharp dialogue and family dynamics. Though less known than other British gangster films, Scorsese calls it essential viewing for any genre fan.
Why Does Scorsese Love British Gangster Films?
In a chat with Edgar Wright, Scorsese explained that he’s drawn to the rawness of the British style. These films don’t sugarcoat anything – the characters’ behavior is shaped by centuries of survival in a harsh world. There are no romantic mafiosos with codes of honor here, just people willing to do whatever it takes to survive.
British gangster stories have a sharp, almost cruel edge rooted in England’s criminal past, going back to times when entire villages were involved in banditry. It’s a world where survival trumps morality every time.
Bottom Line – Time to Dive Into the British Crime Scene!
If you thought you’d seen all gangster films have to offer, think again. Martin Scorsese, the man who defined the genre, shows us that British films have a special, dark magic. From the brutal London streets in “The Long Good Friday” to the claustrophobic family drama in “Down Terrace,” these movies are a treat for anyone who loves crime stories without the gloss.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into these films and tell us – who’s your favorite British gangster? Or maybe you have a hidden gem Scorsese missed? Share your thoughts, because here, there are no rules, just brutal truth and good fun!
