Movie Review: Layer Cake
Nov 29 2012.
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There is something about British Gangster movies that make them not only great pieces of cinema, but also a romping fun and entertaining ride. Layer Cake is no exception. Although the movie first came out in 2004, I recently re-watched it and thought it was worth a review since it’s definitely a must watch. So if you haven’t seen it… you just have to. Yes! The movie is that good.
The story is told through the perspective of Daniel Craig credited as XXXX at the end title sequence who plays a middle man for major drug deals happening in the heart of London. Business is in the up and up and things are going great for him. A natural smooth operator, he manages his business safely and intelligently and as he puts it: “Always have a plan and stick with it”.
His plan of course is to retire early and enjoy the spoils of his labour, and as you may guess things don’t really go according to plan. Let’s just say that by the first half an hour of the movie he ends up having a murdering psychopath, the Serbian mob, and some major drug lords in London after him…. Not to mention the sexy and gorgeous Tammy (Sienna Miller) who ends up his love interest in the story.
The movie is about how Craig’s character uses his wits and outsmarts everyone and resolves all of these complications so that he can retire in peace. The plot sounds pretty straightforward but I guarantee twists and turns, and the movie unfolds just like a novel does which is one reason why Layer Cake is such a great movie.
This is not surprising considering the fact that Layer Cake is based on the novel of the same name by the author J.J Connolly. Never the less, much credit is owed to director Mathew Vaughn for successfully recreating that feeling of reading a good crime novel, on screen.
One of the strengths of the movie is also how well it has been stylized and how that doesn’t reduce from the content of the story or its message, but only adds to make an overall package that is just a thrill to watch.
Layer Cake boasts brilliant performances from a great cast ranging from Daniel Craig to Colm Meaney , Sienna Miller, Michael Gambon and a very young Tom Hardy. The movie has excellent character development backed up by solid performances delivered by these actors, which is one of the movies many strong points.
Layer Cake also doesn’t fall short of providing a pretty meaningful message: Quit while you’re ahead and don’t leave any loose ends; which I must say, is pretty solid advice in general, especially if you’re planning on going into the drug business.
With excellent direction, gripping story, powerful performances, brilliant soundtrack and a meaningful message, Layer Cake is a must watch. I give it 9/10
Reviewed by Maleen Jayasuriya
Layer Cake (2004)
Crime | Drama | Thriller
A successful cocaine dealer gets two tough assignments from his boss on the eve of his planned early retirement.
Director: Matthew Vaughn
Writers: J.J. Connolly (screenplay), J.J. Connolly (novel)
Stars: Daniel Craig, Sienna Miller and Michael Gambon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07uOsdFdS7I
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