Amazing

Rating: 9/10 (11 August 1999)

Orson Welles did it with Citizen Kane in 1939. Martin Scorcese did it in 1973 with mean Streets{and went on to floor us numerous more times}. George Lucas did it with American Graffitti{and need I say more}. Quentin Tarantino did it with Reservoir Dogs in 1991{and made two more films just as good}. And Doug Liman did it with Swingers in 1996. I am talking about what these brillant men did with their first films, and many of them went on to even more acclaim. This men redefined aspects of Cinema with their first films. We can add Guy Ritchie to this list. He has delivered the best heist film since Reservoir Dogs{which is only slightly better then this film}. It's hard to see a director who has done everything so near perfection. His cast rules, their performances{all perfect} amazing, the script tremendously clever, the music perfect, the camera mind boggling. If you watch this film without knowing its Ritchie's first work, you will have the impression he is a seasoned veteran. THis film is beautifully filmed. And it isn't just Tarantino run-off. Ritchie's script works perfectly, and it isn't just Tarantino's work. If Quentin Tarantino is considered the symbol of American cinema, then Ritchie is England's. This film just goes to show what we are missing. Not many films work as well as this one in terms of style and story. If Ritchie doesn't go the way of Tarantino{who needs to resurface, I think all the crap that has been released lately is considered Tarantino run off is not just an attempt to cash in, but a cry for help. Quentin, answer it} and continues on this path, he has quite a future ahead. I can't wait for his next film, called Diamonds. **** out of ****