The British gangster genre is back with a vengeance. Michael Head, practically a newcomer has written and directed his first feature that has the combination of Scorsese and Richie direction. We clearly see his influences, hence, to say Bermondsey Tales is Goodfellas meets Snatch is a genuine statement. As they say: Blood is thicker than water and family comes first.
The Roman family are a part of the criminal underworld and to see them fall like a chain of dominoes is an intriguing journey indeed. Can loyalty amongst family be preserved? Can honour and respect be upheld? Let’s just say if the Roman family can follow these expectations of the code of honour, the film would be bleak.
A gritty comedy-drama based on real events. Bermondsey Tales: Fall Of The Roman Empire tells the story of the South London crime family The Roman’s as infighting, ‘cozzers’ (police) and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk. Writer/Director, Michael Head has rightfully given himself a meaty role and put it to virtuous use in the character of Henry; kind of the Fredo Corleone of the family. His large debts to Adam Deacon’s gangster character Ishaaq is one of the many tales that spark a fuse of the family to fall from grace. Deacon is excellent as the rival gangster that wants his money. The Anna Scher pupil has put his improvisational drama training to good use as we clearly see Deacon’s rage. When he says he wants his money or your life, you’ll believe him.
Be that as it may, Maisie Smith, the EastEnders veteran (696 episodes) has come a long way from a soap star to British independent cinema. Her character of Chloe is sly and sneaky as her character motives leave the viewer to think of that old saying: The female of the species is more deadly than the male. On the other hand, David Schaal better known as Jay’s dad from The Inbetweeners is the true stand-out of the film. The wrath he conveys is heartfelt as he plays Maisie Williams’s father. He may not be involved in the business but has his tales to unravel with an intriguing subplot. He’s vengeful and rightfully so as any father would kill the person who harmed his daughter. The dramatic irony here is enticing. As we know his daughter’s conniving intent, are his actions going to make the Roman family fall even more?
All in all, Michael Head has pulled together a very capable cast of experienced actors from Birds of a Feather’s Linda Robson as the matriarch of the family and John Hannah as the character of The Postman, but really an amusing, silly Scottish gangster. Vas Blackwood is the funniest character of all, known for playing Rory Breaker in Lock Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, his character of Edgar Walace is a true gangster that pays homage to his Lock Stock character to which we’ll love him for and without a doubt rewatch him in. Alan Ford aka Bricktop from Snatch once again embraces his stereotype as Skats. An energetic larger-than-life geezer gangster. Ford has his moments to shine in him posing as a policeman and then robbing ‘Allo ‘Allo’s Vicki Michelle blind.
Everything comes together in the end and justice is prevailed for the gangsters who deserve their comeuppance. The question is do they deserve their comeuppance as you grow to like these characters and want them to get away with their crimes. The main aspect is Micheal Head wants his audience to laugh and when you pay to watch this film and you will laugh, that’s clearly his goal accomplished.
Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire is set for release in select cinemas on May 17th.
A gritty comedy-drama based on real events
Movie title: Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire (2024)
Movie description: A gritty comedy-drama based on real events. Bermondsey Tales: Fall Of The Roman Empire tells the story of South London crime family The Roman's as infighting, cozzers and rival firms put everything they have worked for at risk.
Date published: May 11, 2024
Country: UK
Duration: 1h 39m
Director(s): Michael Head
Actor(s): Alan Ford, John Hannah, Charlotte Kirk
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Summary
All in all, Michael Head has pulled together a very capable cast of experienced actors from Birds of a Feather’s Linda Robson as the matriarch of the family and John Hannah as the character of The Postman, but really an amusing, silly Scottish gangster.
Aly has a strong passion for film as he enjoys reviewing and analysing them. He has written for Hey U Guys, The Hollywood News and The People’s Movies. He is an aspiring screenwriter and has had much interest by professionals in the industry. For the bread and butter, he teaches English Language and Literature in secondary school which he truly enjoys, but has dreams to enter the film industry professionally. He loves networking as making good contacts is key to moving forward.
