Entertaining until the last!

Rating: 9/10 (24 August 2014)

"My name is Turkish. Funny name for an Englishman, I know. My parents to be were on the same plane when it crashed. That's how they met. They named me after the name of the plane. Not many people are named after a plane crash. That's Tommy. He tells people he was named after a gun, but I know he was really named after a famous 19th century ballet dancer. "
It's not everyday you come across a film like Snatch. The last time I watched an excellent crime film that didn't take itself seriously it was Quentin Tarantino's masterpiece Pulp Fiction. Whilst not as good as it, Guy Ritchie's Snatch is definitely a brilliant film. Pulp Fiction was outstanding, and revolusionary when compared to other 'gangster' flicks. The biggest change was the introduction of the mobius strip-style plot line, where the concept of time is no longer linear, instead constantly folding in upon itself, flitting between past, present and future that forces the viewer to pay close attention lest they miss some subtle detail. Inevitably, numerous copycat films emerged that tried to capitalize on Tarantino's success, but it wasn't until 1998 when Guy Ritchie, an unknown British director, took on the challenge and directed Lock Stock and Two Smoking barrels, to critical aclaim. I haven't seen Lock Stock, but after watching Snatch I am really looking forward to it.
The story revolves around some boxing promoters, a Russian gangster, dopy amateur robbers, a 'Jewish' jewler, and pretty violent bookmakers all in pursuit of a stolen diamond. The film moves pretty fast, and it's difficult to remember who's who in the beginning. However, once it settles, the movie runs smoothly and becomes very enjoyable. The film reveals that it chooses style over substance very early on, so watch it for what it is, and I'm sure you'll enjoy it a lot.
The credits, sound track, production, casting, writing, photography, editing, acting, and direction were all perfect. I was especially impressed with the freedom of the use of the camera. Slow-mo, stills, black and white, and color were all used to brilliant effect.
Each actor is full bodied, receives ample screen time, and no one character is the centerpiece. With so many talented actors, it is difficult to pick out one performance that stands out: Rade Serbedzija is hilarious as the mad Russian who blithely burns through each of his nine lives, as is Vinnie Jones' manic gentleman hit-man. On the other end of the spectrum, is Alan Ford as Brick Top, the promoter with a penchant for pigs, who epitomizes cold-blooded viciousness. Even a dog plays a funny and very important role. So many memorable, funny, cool, and dark characters with induvidualised personalities. I've never been the biggest Pitt fan, but he really brings this film extra life as the yabbering Mickey O'Neil. Apparently people were annoyed because they couldn't understand some of the characters in Lock Stock,so Ritchie decided, what was better than to have a character that both the audience and the characters wouldn't be able to understand. Turkish's hilarious narration sums up O'Neil's speech perfectly: "It's not Irish, it's not English, it's justÂ…pikey".
I don't have a single complaint on the film. If I was forced to make one, it would probably be (SPOILER!) why did Del Toro have to go so early! And possibly a couple of exaggerated accents.
Final World: Insanely crowd-pleasing! From pulling stupid faces when you think you're going to die to finding a dead guy with a tea-cosy wrapped around his face, Snatch doesn't spare you a dull moment. Very few films can make me laugh like this one can.
My Rating: 8.5 /10