Crime drama fans anxiously awaiting the next installment of MobLand or the upcoming season of The Gentlemen, look no further for your next must-watch.
ITV recently added Guy Ritchie's stylish and high-octane 2019 film, The Gentlemen, to its free streaming service - and now is the perfect time to add this slick crime caper to your watchlist.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThis star-studded romp centers on American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), a formidable marijuana kingpin who decides to finally cash out and sell his lucrative business. His decision triggers a chaotic chain reaction of blackmail, schemes and explosive violence as rivals scramble to dismantle and steal his hard-earned empire.
The film's success paved the way for a popular spin-off Netflix series with the same name. The show stars Theo James as Eddie Horniman, an army officer and aristocrat who inherits his family's sprawling 500-year-old estate following his father's passing, only to discover it serves as the front for a massive underground cannabis operation.
With the series – also featuring Kaya Scodelario, Ray Winstone, and Vinnie Jones – gearing up for a highly anticipated second season later this year, there is no better moment to revisit the original 2019 romp.
Keep reading for everything you need to know.
What is The Gentlemen about?
The film follows American expat Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), who has built a highly profitable marijuana empire in London.
© Alamy Stock PhotoThe synopsis continues: "When word gets out that he's looking to cash out of the business and retire, it triggers plots, schemes, bribery and blackmail in an attempt to steal his domain."
Who stars in The Gentlemen?
The film boasts a star-studded ensemble cast, anchored by Matthew McConaughey in the lead role.
He is supported by an incredible array of talent, including Charlie Hunnam, Henry Golding, Michelle Dockery, Jeremy Strong, Eddie Marsan, Colin Farrell, Samuel West and Hugh Grant.
What have viewers and critics said about the film?
The film, which boasts a strong 84 per cent audience approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, has been met with acclaim from viewers.
One fan praised the movie as Guy Ritchie's "best since Snatch," while another described it as the "perfect execution of a British gangster film."
© Alamy Stock PhotoAnother viewer hailed the crime caper as "excellent," while another added: "I thought it was absolutely brilliant. You put Matthew McConaughey in a film directed by Guy Ritchie, magic happens!"
However, critical reception was mixed. The Guardian offered a two-star review calling it "dated," and The Telegraph awarded three stars to the "snottily un-PC" gangster drama.
Elsewhere, The Times was much more positive, handing out four stars and hailing it as "great fun."
The Gentlemen is available to stream on ITVX now.
