Watch King of Crime

King of Crime is a gripping British crime thriller directed by Matt Gambell and starring veteran actor Mark Wingett as the lead protagonist, Marcus King. The film revolves around King, a notorious crime lord who has spent most of his life as a high-stakes criminal mastermind, leading an empire of thieves and gangsters. Despite having spent his life on the wrong side of the law, King has managed to gain a reputation as a man of honour in the underworld by following a strict code of conduct that dictates his interactions with his rivals, enemies, and accomplices.

But when King's trusted right-hand man, Clive (played by Nicholas Brendon), betrays him by running off with a substantial amount of money on the eve of a major heist, King is forced to confront his own mortality and his loyalty to his code of honour.

The story is set in London's East End, where King and his crew operate their criminal enterprise. The surroundings are gritty, run-down, and overtly urban, evocative of the stark realism typical of British crime dramas. The film's tone is suitably dark, moody, and tense, accentuated by the stripped-down cinematography and the atmospheric soundtrack.

As King tries to track down Clive and recover his stolen money, he finds himself up against a new generation of criminals who are more ruthless and less principled than he is. With his own empire crumbling around him and his enemies closing in, King faces a serious existential crisis that forces him to re-evaluate his life and his values.

In support of Wingett, King of Crime boasts a strong ensemble cast of seasoned actors, including Claire King (best known for her work in British soap operas), Nicholas Brendon (of Buffy the Vampire Slayer fame), and Rachel Bright (a veteran of the small screen). They all deliver nuanced and believable performances, adding depth and texture to the film's characters.

One of the most striking aspects of the film is how it manages to balance its crime drama tropes with a lingering sense of melancholia and regret. The film treats its characters with empathy and understanding, highlighting their struggles and their humanity even as they engage in brutal and often violent criminal activity. While there are moments of action and suspense, the film's heart lies in its exploration of how men of honour can still be capable of destructive and self-destructive behaviour.

Overall, King of Crime is a tense and engaging thriller that showcases the talents of its stellar cast and director. The film is a refreshing take on the traditional British crime drama, focusing on character development and introspection rather than just plot mechanics and action set pieces. It's definitely worth checking out for fans of the genre and those looking for a well-crafted crime thriller with a contemplative tone.

King of Crime is a 2019 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 42 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 3.2.