Snatch (2000)

Detailed Summary

Introduction and Setting

Snatch is a 2000 British crime comedy film written and directed by Guy Ritchie. The film features an ensemble cast including Jason Statham, Brad Pitt, Benicio del Toro, Dennis Farina, and Vinnie Jones. The plot revolves around two intertwined stories: the search for a stolen diamond and a small-time boxing promoter getting pulled into the world of match-fixing by a ruthless gangster. Set in the gritty underworld of London, the film is known for its fast-paced storytelling, colorful characters, and dark humor.

The Story Unfolds

The Heist and the Diamond

The film opens with a group of thieves led by Franky “Four-Fingers” (Benicio del Toro) stealing an 86-carat diamond in Antwerp. Franky is instructed to deliver the diamond to Doug “The Head” (Mike Reid) in London. However, Franky’s gambling addiction leads him to book a fight at the behest of Boris “The Blade” (Rade Šerbedžija), who plans to steal the diamond from him.

The Boxing Promoter

Simultaneously, Turkish (Jason Statham) and his partner Tommy (Stephen Graham) are small-time boxing promoters trying to make a name for themselves. They are coerced into organizing a fight for the fearsome gangster Brick Top (Alan Ford), who fixes boxing matches for profit. Brick Top orders them to use Mickey O’Neil (Brad Pitt), a bare-knuckle boxing champion from a gypsy camp, as their fighter.

The Climax and Resolution

The Double Cross

As the film progresses, various characters vie for the diamond, leading to a series of double-crosses and misunderstandings. Franky is captured by Boris, but he is soon double-crossed by other criminals including Avi (Dennis Farina), who arrives from New York to retrieve the diamond.

The Fight

The climax centers around the boxing match involving Mickey. Despite being ordered to throw the fight, Mickey defies the arrangement, knocking out his opponent in a single punch. This infuriates Brick Top, who plans to retaliate against Turkish and Tommy.

The Conclusion

The Resolution

In the ensuing chaos, Boris is killed, and the diamond ends up with Avi. However, as Avi leaves, he accidentally kills Tony (Vinnie Jones), and in the confusion, the diamond is lost again. Mickey and the gypsies, anticipating Brick Top’s retribution, ambush and kill him and his men, then disappear with their money.

The Epilogue

The film concludes with Turkish and Tommy discovering the diamond in a dog’s stomach. They retrieve the diamond and take it to Doug “The Head” to sell it, completing the circle of the film’s convoluted but engaging plot.

Movie Ending

The film ends on a darkly humorous note, with Turkish and Tommy finally getting their hands on the valuable diamond, hinting at the cyclical nature of crime and greed in the London underworld.

Post-Credits Scene

There are no post-credits scenes in Snatch.

Type of Movie

Snatch is a crime comedy that blends elements of dark humor, action, and heist genres.

Cast

• Jason Statham as Turkish
• Brad Pitt as Mickey O’Neil
• Benicio del Toro as Franky “Four-Fingers”
• Dennis Farina as Cousin Avi
• Rade Šerbedžija as Boris “The Blade”
• Vinnie Jones as Bullet-Tooth Tony
• Alan Ford as Brick Top

Film Music and Composer

The film features a diverse soundtrack, including tracks by Oasis, Madonna, The Stranglers, and Massive Attack. The music enhances the film’s dynamic and edgy atmosphere.

Filming Locations

Snatch was filmed primarily in London, England. Various locations in the city’s East End and surrounding areas were used to create the authentic gritty feel of the film.

Awards and Nominations

Snatch received several awards and nominations, including:

• Empire Awards: Won Best British Director (Guy Ritchie).
• British Independent Film Awards: Nominated for Best British Independent Film, Best Director, and Best Screenplay.
• London Critics Circle Film Awards: Nominated for British Director of the Year.

Behind the Scenes Insights

• Brad Pitt’s character Mickey speaks in an unintelligible dialect, a decision made because Pitt couldn’t master a convincing Irish accent.
• The film’s non-linear narrative and rapid editing style are characteristic of Guy Ritchie’s filmmaking approach, similar to his previous film Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.
• Many scenes were improvised by the actors, contributing to the film’s spontaneous and energetic feel.

Inspirations and References

Snatch draws inspiration from Ritchie’s own experiences and interests in the London underworld, as well as the heist and crime film genres. The film’s style is influenced by Quentin Tarantino movies, particularly Pulp Fiction.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

The final cut of Snatch closely follows Guy Ritchie’s vision. Some deleted scenes and additional content are available in special editions and DVD releases, providing further context and character development.

Book Adaptations and Differences

While Snatch is an original screenplay by Guy Ritchie, it has inspired various analyses and discussions in film literature due to its distinctive style and narrative structure.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

• The heist in Antwerp.
• Mickey’s bare-knuckle boxing match.
• The various characters converging in a pawnshop.
• The final boxing match and ensuing chaos.
• The discovery of the diamond in the dog’s stomach.

Iconic Quotes

• “Do you know what ‘nemesis’ means? A righteous infliction of retribution manifested by an appropriate agent. Personified in this case by an ‘orrible c**t… me.” – Brick Top
• “D’ya like dags?” – Mickey
• “You’re not much good to me alive, are you, Turkish?” – Brick Top

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

• The film contains numerous visual and verbal callbacks to Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels, including shared actors and similar plot devices.
• The quick cuts and freeze frames are a stylistic choice that enhances the frenetic pace of the narrative.

Trivia

• The film’s budget was approximately $10 million, and it grossed over $83 million worldwide.
• Brad Pitt’s role was specifically written for him after he expressed interest in working with Guy Ritchie.
• The film’s complex plot and multiple storylines are often compared to those in Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction.

Why Watch?

Snatch is a fast-paced, stylish, and darkly humorous film that offers an engaging and intricate plot with memorable characters and sharp dialogue. Its distinctive visual style and clever storytelling make it a standout in the crime comedy genre.

Director’s Other Movies

Guy Ritchie also directed:

• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
• Sherlock Holmes (2009)
• Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows (2011)
• The Man from U.N.C.L.E. (2015)
• The Gentlemen (2019)

Recommended Films for Fans

• Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998)
• Pulp Fiction (1994)
• RocknRolla (2008)
• The Gentlemen (2019)
• Layer Cake (2004)