Welcome everyone to the first instalment in my newest feature, ‘Modern Classics‘ which follows the same rules as my ‘Retro Review‘ just with a minor change to the timeframes. First up, a quick reminder of the rules

• Must be a first time viewing
• Must watch in full
• Must have a post-1990 release date

Director: Guy Ritchie

Starring: Jason Statham, Stephen Graham, Brad Pitt, Vinnie Jones, Denis Farina, Rade Serbedzija

Tagline: Stealing Stones Is Hazardous

Unlicensed boxing promoter ‘Turkish’ (Jason Statham) and his close friend Tommy (played by a baby-faced Stephen Graham) get pulled in to trouble when they get on the wrong side of crime boss ‘Brick Top’ (Alan Ford). Meanwhile, a stolen 84 carat diamond goes missing causing American diamond dealer, Avi (Dennis Farina) to come to London in search for it, enlisting the help of fellow dealer Doug the Head (Mike Reid) and Bullet-Tooth Tony (Vinnie Jones).

The story twists and turns as the two situations converge on each other, culminating in a satisfying yet unexpected ending.

Given the abundance of gangster movies out there, it would be easy for Snatch to blend in with all the other but Ritchie’s quirky directional style coupled with great musical choices prevent it from becoming too stale. Considering I first watched this twenty years after its original release, I have to say it has held up well although it may have suffered a little from my recent viewing of Ritchie’s latest offering The Gentlemen, as it is very similar in style.

Although the story was a little far fetched, there was great humour throughout and an exciting cast. In my opinion, Benicio Del Toro was underused as Franky Four fingers but Rade Serbedzija and Alan Ford shone as the gangster big wigs.

I’ll admit that it was a little strange not to see Jason Statham in any overly exaggerated fight sequences but I think he carried the film well, acting as the central character, and his on-screen relationship with Stephen Graham was fun to watch.

As good as the cast was, it goes without saying that Brad Pitt absolutely stole the show as the indecipherable ‘pikey’ Mickey O’Neil.

When Snatch was released, I was not really old enough to appreciate its appeal and I think that’s why it’s taken me so long to watch it but overall I found Snatch to be an enjoyable watch, even if the story itself was not particularly memorable. This is definitely an easy, and highly quotable, watch so it’s highly likely that I’ll be re-watching it again soon.

Until next time… x

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