Watch Mona Lisa

In the 1986 movie Mona Lisa, Bob Hoskins stars as George, a small-time crook recently released from prison. Michael Caine plays Mortwell, a high-class pimp who hires George to be the driver for one of his most prized girls, Simone (Cathy Tyson). As George and Simone develop a unique and unexpected bond, George becomes more and more embroiled in Mortwell's seedy underbelly of prostitution and violence.

The movie takes place in the gritty world of London's underground sex trade, as George and Simone navigate the dangerous and traumatic experiences that come with their line of work. Despite the initial class divide between the two, and the fact that George is hired muscle and Simone is a high-end call girl, they form an unlikely friendship and even become romantically involved.

Bob Hoskins delivers a standout performance as George. He is vulgar, violent, and uncouth, but his genuine and heartfelt affection for Simone gives him a softer side that makes him a sympathetic character. Cathy Tyson is equally impressive as Simone, bringing depth and complexity to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. Her performance is especially notable given the controversial nature of the film and the themes it explores.

Michael Caine's portrayal of Mortwell is chillingly sinister, as he calmly and coolly orchestrates the dark world of prostitution and human trafficking. He is a master manipulator, pulling the strings behind the scenes and always one step ahead of those around him.

While the film is certainly gritty and disturbing, it is also a touching and emotional portrayal of two people who find comfort and solace in each other despite the horrors they are forced to endure. The cinematography and soundtrack also add to the mood and atmosphere of the film, with London's seedy underworld captured in all its grimy detail.

Mona Lisa was a critical and commercial success upon its release, earning rave reviews for its bold exploration of taboo subjects and its incredible performances. Hoskins was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Actor, while the film itself was nominated for the prestigious Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Mona Lisa's enduring legacy has been its impact on the portrayal of sex workers in film. The movie portrays the sex trade as a dangerous and often violent world, but it also paints a nuanced picture of the people who are caught up in it. It is a film that challenges the viewer to confront their own prejudices and assumptions and to see the humanity in those who are often marginalized and demonized.

In conclusion, Mona Lisa is a powerful and thought-provoking film that explores the seedy underbelly of London's underground sex trade. Its incredible performances, gripping storyline, and bold exploration of taboo themes have ensured its place as a timeless classic in the world of cinema.

Mona Lisa is a 1986 crime movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 44 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 7.3 and a MetaScore of 85.