Watch London Boulevard

London Boulevard is a 2010 crime thriller directed by William Monahan, who is also known for his Academy Award-winning screenplay for The Departed. The movie is a modern-day take on the classic film noir genre, set in the murky underworld of London. It stars Colin Farrell, Keira Knightley, and Ray Winstone. The story follows Farrell's character, Mitchel, a newly released convict who tries to start a new life outside of prison. He takes a job as a handyman for Knightley's character, Charlotte, a reclusive movie star who is trying to escape the paparazzi. Charlotte is fascinated by Mitchel's criminal past and they strike up an unlikely friendship.

As Mitchel tries to keep to the straight and narrow, he is pulled back into the criminal world by his old friend, Billy Norton (played by Ben Chaplin), who introduces him to Winstone's character, Gant, a ruthless gangster who wants Mitchel to work for him. Mitchel is torn between his loyalty to Billy and his desire to leave his criminal past behind.

The movie is full of intrigue, suspense, and unexpected twists and turns. Monahan does an excellent job of building tension and creating a sense of unease. The dialogue is sharp and witty and the performances are top-notch. Farrell is particularly impressive in the lead role, portraying Mitchel as both tough and vulnerable.

The movie also explores themes of loyalty, redemption, and the price of fame. Knightley's character is a poignant reflection of the pressures and pitfalls of celebrity, while Mitchel's struggle to leave his criminal past behind is a powerful commentary on the cyclical nature of violence and the difficulty of breaking free from a life of crime.

The cinematography is another highlight of the film, with Monahan and his team using the dark alleys and neon lights of London to create a sense of danger and uncertainty. The soundtrack, which includes songs from artists like The Kills and The Libertines, adds to the movie's gritty, urban feel.

London Boulevard received mixed reviews upon its release, with some critics praising its style and performances but criticizing its lack of originality. However, it has since developed a cult following and is considered by many to be a modern classic of the crime genre.

Overall, London Boulevard is a tense and stylish crime thriller that is sure to keep audiences on the edge of their seats. With its strong performances, sharp dialogue, and striking visuals, it is a must-watch for fans of film noir and crime films in general.

London Boulevard is a 2011 drama with a runtime of 1 hour and 43 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.2 and a MetaScore of 52.