Watch The Guv'nor

The Guv'nor is a British biographical documentary film directed by Paul Van Carter, released in 2016. The movie narrates the story of Lenny McLean, a famous bare-knuckle fighter and the notorious underworld figure. The film also showcases how his life story inspired his youngest son, Jamie McLean, to follow in his father's footsteps as a fighter.

The film takes us on a journey thorough Lenny McLean's life, from his early days as a young footballer to his rise as an undefeated bare-knuckle boxer. The story is reenacted through real-life footage, interviews with people who knew Lenny, and through Jamie's recollections of his father.

The audience gets a glimpse of how Lenny was forced into a life of crime as a young boy, where he earned his stripes as an enforcer and a street fighter. He soon becomes known as "The Guv'nor"- a nickname which resonated with his power in the criminal underworld. While Lenny's past might have been shady, the film highlights his close relationships with his wife Valerie and his children, portrayed through intimate family moments.

The film is not just a story about Lenny's life but also looks at the wider context of the times he lived in. We see how the tough conditions of working-class London in the 60s and 70s created an environment where criminals like Lenny could thrive. The film also observes Lenny's work in film and television, where he played the role of a 'hard man' - a part he could seamlessly pull off with his imposing build and intimidating presence.

Throughout the documentary, we also see Jamie McLean (Lenny's youngest son), who narrates parts of the film and shares personal anecdotes about his father. Jamie also follows in his father's footsteps, pursuing a career in boxing, a choice he made to honor his father's legacy. The father-son relationship between Lenny and Jamie is explored in detail, with Jamie trying to reconcile his father's flaws and his reputation with his love for him.

The Guv'nor is a well-crafted biopic that presents an honest and balanced picture of Lenny McLean's life. The documentary does not shy away from the dark side of Lenny's personality, and we see how his anger issues and criminal past had a long-lasting impact on his family.

The film also shows how Lenny tried to seek redemption through his autobiography and by becoming a mentor to young people in need. The documentary is a gripping watch, with powerful performances by the real-life actors, who bring alive the gritty world of London's criminal underworld.

The Guv'nor was a commercial success and received positive reviews from audiences and critics alike. The film is a tribute to the legendary figure that Lenny McLean was, and how his story continues to inspire people from all walks of life. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in bare-knuckle boxing, British gangster lore, or just powerful biographical documentaries.

In conclusion, The Guv'nor is a masterful documentary that captures the essence of an iconic figure, Lenny McLean. The film chronicles his life, his career, and his personal battles, with equal parts reverence and objectivity. The documentary succeeds in bringing Lenny's story to life, while also highlighting the challenges of life in working-class London. The Guv'nor is an excellent documentary that brings to light Lenny's legacy, and is a fitting tribute to one of the most renowned figures in Britain's criminal history.

The Guv'nor is a 2016 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 29 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.8.