London Kills Me

Watch London Kills Me

"The boot's a hoot!"
  • R
  • 1991
  • 1 hr 47 min
  • 6.1  (646)

London Kills Me is a British comedy-drama film directed by Hanif Kureishi, released in 1991. Set in the south-western part of London, the film features strong themes of marginalization, poverty, race, and social exclusion. The film follows the lives of two young men - Clint Eastwood (played by Steven Mackintosh) and Muffdiver (played by Justin Chadwick) who are struggling to make ends meet in a world that is increasingly hostile to them.

Clint and Muffdiver, both in their twenties, are underachievers who do not seem to have any direction in their lives. Clint is a drummer who is stuck in a tedious lifestyle, working for a family who does not appreciate his talent as a musician. On the other hand, Muffdiver is a self-proclaimed ladies man who struggles to stay out of trouble with the law while navigating his way through sexual shenanigans.

Their lives take a dramatic turn when they both encounter a beautiful French woman called Justine (played by Emer McCourt), who has just arrived in London. Initially, they both compete for her attention, but as they get to know Justine, they realize that she offers them a chance for a better life.

In addition to these central characters, the film includes a diverse cast of supporting characters, such as the criminal Jack (played by Brad Dourif), who is on the run from the police after a series of ill-advised robberies. There is also a street musician (played by Derek Nimmo), who becomes Clint's mentor and teaches him about jazz and the blues.

At its core, London Kills Me is a film about the struggles of youth in a city that is expensive, dangerous, and hostile. It paints a picture of London that is far from the postcard image of Big Ben and the River Thames. Instead, we see a city that is grimy and chaotic, filled with people who are either trying to survive or succumb to their vices.

The film's director, Hanif Kureishi, who is known for exploring themes of race, class, and identity, uses London Kills Me as a platform for commentary on the complexities of British society. This is seen in the characters that Kureishi chooses to focus on, such as Clint and Muffdiver, who are both working-class white men who feel like they do not belong in a city that is becoming increasingly diverse. Justine, a French woman, represents this diversity and offers them a glimpse into a world outside their narrow existence.

The film's cinematography is worth a mention, as it accurately captures the grittiness of London in the early 1990s. There are scenes that take place in markets, pubs, and back alleys, which all help to create a sense of place and convey the harsh reality of the city.

Overall, London Kills Me is a film that explores the lives of people who are often forgotten by society. The characters are flawed, but they are also relatable, and the film does an excellent job of trying to understand why they are the way they are. Though it was released almost thirty years ago, the film's themes are still relevant today, making it a timeless classic that is worth watching.

London Kills Me
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Description
  • Release Date
    1991
  • MPAA Rating
    R
  • Runtime
    1 hr 47 min
  • Language
    English
  • IMDB Rating
    6.1  (646)
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