Watch Gangster No. 1

Gangster No. 1 is a British crime-thriller movie from 2000, directed by Paul McGuigan, and starring Malcolm McDowell, David Thewlis, and Paul Bettany. Set in London, the film tells the story of a young and ambitious gangster, who rises to power in the criminal underworld of the 1960s and 1970s, and his eventual downfall. The movie opens with the character of McDowell, who plays an unnamed gangster with the title "Gangster No. 55," rising through the ranks of the criminal world in the early 1960s, under the mentorship of a charismatic boss played by David Thewlis. As the years go by, Gangster No. 55 becomes more ruthless and paranoid, eventually surpassing his mentor as the head of a powerful criminal organization.

The plot is driven by the rivalry between the two main characters, as well as Gangster No. 55's obsession with a beautiful woman named Karen played by Saffron Burrows. Other key players in the story include Paul Bettany's character, who portrays the younger version of Gangster No. 55 and Mark Strong's character Freddie Mays, a rival gangster with whom Gangster No. 55 has a longstanding feud.

Throughout the film, the audience is treated to a stylized and visceral depiction of violence and criminal behavior. From brutal murders to tense standoffs to tense deals with corrupt cops, the movie offers a compelling and often disturbing view of the world of organized crime.

The acting in Gangster No. 1 is particularly noteworthy. McDowell and Thewlis both give compelling and nuanced performances that allow the audience to see the complexities of their characters' motivations and weaknesses. Additionally, Bettany offers a standout performance as the younger version of Gangster No. 55, providing a glimpse into the character's formative years.

The film's mood is intensified by the excellent use of music and cinematography. The movie's soundtrack features a mix of classic pop and rock songs from the 1960s and 1970s that create a strong sense of time and place. Meanwhile, the film's cinematography makes use of dynamic angles, stark contrasts, and bold colors that reflect the intense emotions of the story.

Overall, Gangster No. 1 is a well-crafted crime-thriller that offers a gripping and often uncomfortable view of the criminal underworld. The film is anchored by strong performances from its lead actors and a strong visual and musical style that heightens the tension and atmosphere of the story. For fans of gritty crime dramas, Gangster No. 1 is not to be missed.

In summary, Gangster No. 1 is a British crime-thriller that tells the story of a young gangster's rise to power in the criminal underworld, his rivalry with a former mentor, and his obsession with a woman named Karen. The film features strong performances from Malcolm McDowell, David Thewlis, and Paul Bettany, as well as impressive cinematography and a powerful musical score. It's a movie that is sure to leave a lasting impression on viewers who appreciate intense and gritty crime dramas.