Amazon.co.uk Review
Fed up with the seemingly endless succession of Brit gangster flicks? Or just wish that someone would reinvent the genre? Either way,
Sexy Beast is for you. While reintroducing some of the well-worn characters of recent years, the film at least attempts to take a sideways look at the genre. Centred on the lives of two ex-con ex-pats and their new lives in Spain, the story is one concerning the conflict between the past and the present. Ray Winston is Gel, who, enjoying his life of early retirement in the sun, finds his loyalties called into question when asked to return to Britain to take part in an audacious heist. There's not much else to say plot wise, but the script and cast is so strong that the film gets away with it. Eschewing the younger brat pack in favour of the likes of Winston, Ian McShane, Amanda Redman (sadly under-used) and Ben Kingsley (whose ultra foul-mouthed Don steals every scene) gives the film a calm authority. Quite violent--although more in language than action--but not without its moments of brilliant humour,
Sexy Beast is an intelligent, enthralling and welcome addition to the gangster-film genre. --
Phil Udell
Special Features
2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
DVD 9
English
Region 2
Dolby Digital 5.1 English
Dolby Digital 5.1
Deleted Scene
Theatrical Trailer
Behind The Scenes
Poster Gallery
On Location
Cast And Crew Interviews
Audio Description For Visually Impaired
Synopsis
Award-winning Jonathan Glazer presents his feature film debut with this lushly photographed, expertly written, and brilliantly performed convention-defying gangster film. Sexy Beast jettisons the slickness of the "Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels" school in favor of intricate character development. In its opening shot, Gary "Gal" Dove (Ray Winstone)--a big-bellied ex-gangster with a cockney accent--is sunning himself by the pool at his luxe villa in Spain, when a gigantic boulder hurtles down a hillside, almost killing him. The near miss serves as a troublesome portent, but it hardly affects Gal, who is immersed in his tranquil life with wife Deedee (Amanda Redman), who he adores with earnest fervor. However, Gal's peace is soon shattered by the arrival of Don Logan (Ben Kingsley, using his shaved skull, spare frame, and ramrod posture to pose as an anti-Gandhi), a brutal former accomplice looking to recruit Gal for a heist. A battle of wills ensues when Gal refuses to leave retirement, and the frighteningly intense Don refuses to take no for an answer. Glazer expertly heightens the film's tension using shifts in the pacing and flashbacks, while Kingsley and Winstone imbue their characters with gorgeous life.
From the Back Cover
Ray Winstone is Gal Dave, a happily retired gangster living off his ill gotten gains on the Costa Del Sol. He is blissfully in love with Dee Dee, his ex-porn star wife and enjoys frequent nights out with friends Rich and Jackie. Life is sweet! But this paradise is shattered by a call from London. Don Logan (Ben Kingsley) is coming out to Spain to persuade Gal to take part in one last job for Teddy Bass (Ian McShane), a seriously heavy London crime boss. Its a big bank job, underwater work, explosives, it needs expertise and Gal has the nexessary! But Gal has retired and nothing is going to persuade him to go back...nothing, not even Don Logan, the craziest, most psychotic hard man in the business. Don's arrival in Spain sparks a murderous battle of wills - a battle which spirals out of control leading to a shocking and inevitable climax!
