The Gentlemen (2019)

Last updated:
August 24, 2025

Guy Ritchie’s The Gentlemen is a stylish crime-comedy film that blends sharp dialogue, layered storytelling, and a very British sense of humor. Packed with double-crosses, fast-talking gangsters, and a web of schemes, it’s often compared to Ritchie’s earlier classics like Snatch and Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Table of Contents

Detailed Summary

Introduction: Mickey Pearson’s Empire

The story kicks off with Mickey Pearson (Matthew McConaughey), an American who has built an empire in the UK by creating the most sophisticated underground marijuana operation in the country. Mickey has used his Oxford education and charm to infiltrate Britain’s aristocratic circles, growing cannabis under the estates of cash-strapped nobles.

The Setup: A Deal in Motion

Mickey wants to retire and live a quiet life with his wife Rosalind (Michelle Dockery), so he tries to sell his empire to Matthew Berger (Jeremy Strong), a wealthy but cunning American billionaire. But, as you’d expect in a Guy Ritchie film, nothing is simple.

Enter Fletcher: The Storyteller

The narrative is cleverly framed by Fletcher (Hugh Grant), a slimy but charismatic private investigator who’s been tailing Mickey. Fletcher pitches his information as a screenplay to Raymond (Charlie Hunnam), Mickey’s right-hand man. Through this meta-storytelling device, we see events unfold while also realizing Fletcher might not be entirely reliable.

The Disruption: Dry Eye and “The Toddlers”

Trouble brews when Dry Eye (Henry Golding), an ambitious Chinese gangster, tries to muscle into Mickey’s empire, first with flattery, then with aggression. At the same time, a group of young street thugs known as “The Toddlers” accidentally raid one of Mickey’s facilities and upload their exploits online, jeopardizing his secrecy.

The Layers of Betrayal

We learn that the attacks on Mickey’s business aren’t coincidental. Berger, the supposed buyer, has orchestrated them to drive down the value of Mickey’s empire. Meanwhile, Fletcher tries to blackmail Raymond with the story he has uncovered, demanding £20 million to keep quiet.

Movie Ending

The ending ties together all of Ritchie’s intricate threads in classic fashion:

Mickey gets abducted by Dry Eye, who plans to kill him and take his empire. But Dry Eye underestimates Rosalind’s sharpness and Mickey’s ruthlessness. Rosalind narrowly avoids being assaulted, and Mickey manages to turn the tables, killing Dry Eye.
Raymond handles Fletcher’s blackmail attempt by calmly outsmarting him and revealing that Mickey already anticipated his betrayal. Fletcher’s supposed control is stripped away, showing him as more of a conman than a mastermind.
Mickey confronts Berger after realizing his orchestrated sabotage. In a brutal scene, he locks Berger inside a freezer with a pig carcass, forcing him to reconsider his tactics. Mickey gives him an ultimatum: pay a higher price for the empire or face death.
In the final scenes, Mickey and Rosalind drive off together, seemingly free of their enemies, while Raymond cleans up the remaining loose ends.

The resolution is satisfying in true Guy Ritchie style—violent, ironic, and tied up with sharp wit.

Are There Post-Credits Scenes?

No. The Gentlemen has no post-credits or mid-credits scenes. The story wraps up fully before the credits roll.

Type of Movie

Crime-comedy with elements of neo-noir. Stylish, witty, and very “Guy Ritchie” in pacing and structure.

Cast

Matthew McConaughey as Mickey Pearson
Charlie Hunnam as Raymond Smith
Michelle Dockery as Rosalind Pearson
Hugh Grant as Fletcher
Henry Golding as Dry Eye
Jeremy Strong as Matthew Berger
Colin Farrell as Coach
Tom Wu as Lord George

Film Music and Composer

The score was composed by Christopher Benstead, blending orchestral tension with modern, gritty tones. The soundtrack also features classic rock and soul tracks, enhancing the film’s stylish crime atmosphere.

Filming Locations

The film was shot in and around London, with many sequences highlighting the mix of posh British aristocracy (countryside estates, luxury offices) and gritty urban London streets. The contrast between high society and underground crime mirrors Mickey’s double life.

Awards and Nominations

While The Gentlemen didn’t dominate awards season, it was praised by critics and audiences for Ritchie’s return to form. It received nominations at the National Film Awards UK and other smaller festivals, particularly for performances (Hugh Grant was widely praised).

Behind the Scenes Insights

Guy Ritchie pitched the film as a “return to roots” project after more mainstream blockbusters like Aladdin.
Hugh Grant improvised much of Fletcher’s slimy charm, modeling his character after tabloid journalists.
Colin Farrell’s “Coach” character was expanded after test screenings because audiences loved him.
Ritchie kept the budget relatively tight compared to Hollywood standards, giving him more creative freedom.

Inspirations and References

The movie takes inspiration from British gangster culture, tabloids, and Ritchie’s earlier films. There are also nods to classic gangster films like The Godfather and Goodfellas in its themes of betrayal, empire, and legacy.

Alternate Endings and Deleted Scenes

While no official alternate endings were released, reports suggest an extended version of Coach’s storyline was trimmed for pacing. A few more violent sequences were also toned down for theatrical release.

Book Adaptations and Differences

The film is an original script by Guy Ritchie and not based on a book, though its screenplay was later novelized.

Memorable Scenes and Quotes

Key Scenes

Fletcher pitching his blackmail as a movie script.
The Toddlers filming their raid as a rap video.
Mickey trapping Berger in the freezer with a pig carcass.
Dry Eye’s confrontation with Rosalind that ends in his death.

Iconic Quotes

Mickey Pearson: “If you smell smoke, it’s because there’s a fire. And you’re about to get burned.”
Fletcher: “Play a game with me, Raymond.”
Rosalind Pearson: “There’s only one rule in this jungle: when the lion’s hungry, he eats.”

Easter Eggs and Hidden Details

Fletcher’s screenplay narration mirrors the movie itself, making the film a self-aware crime caper.
Many character names (like Coach) are deliberately generic, playing on British gangster archetypes.
Several scenes reference Ritchie’s earlier films with similar framing and dialogue rhythm.

Trivia

Matthew McConaughey wasn’t the first choice; Guy Ritchie initially considered British actors before deciding Mickey should be an American outsider.
Hugh Grant said this was his favorite role in years, reviving his career in character acting.
The film was so successful that a Netflix spin-off series is being developed by Ritchie.

Why Watch?

Because it’s Guy Ritchie at his best: witty, stylish, unpredictable, and fun. If you like crime thrillers with humor, twisty plots, and memorable characters, The Gentlemen is a must-watch.

The Gentlemen (2019)