The Gentlemen (2024) User Reviews

The best thing Netflix has produced in a very long time

[callumdignan · 9/10 · 9 March 2024]

If this dosen't get renewed for a season 2 myself and I imagine plenty of other people will riot. A majority of the stuff netflix puts out is mediocre at best and most of it you forget after watching because its just mush. Most of it feels like it's purely just to keep the content machine flowing. The gentlemen feels totally different and might actually be one of the greatest shows I've seen and it's only the first season.

Top acting, top direction, top writing, top everything basically. Guy Ritchie is absolutely on form here. Had me right on the edge of my seat for a majority of the show trying to work out all the angles, agendas, schemes going on between the multiple calculated characters through out the show and on so many occasions I thought I had it worked out until a few moments later I'd be proven wrong again with another brilliantly executed twist.

The gentlemen (2019) was already a fantastic film but what limited it was the time it had to tell its story however giving Guy Ritchie and his team a full 8 episodes to play with to fully pad out this story was very clearly an excellent choice and I truly hope this show takes off in a big way not only because it deserves it but because Netflix will hopefully realise what a treat this show is and give us more seasons.

I could go on for ages about this show but I'd rather leave as much detail out of this review as possible because I went into this series essentially blind and I absolutely loved it however I imagine knowing more of the details before hand wouldn't have had the same impact so if you can, watch this before you learn any more about it, trust me.

So in short, watch this show. As soon as possible. Its fantastic.

Enjoyed Every Second

[Rob1331 · 9/10 · 7 March 2024]

The Gentleman is a spin off of the movie of the same name. The movie was great and had big stars involved in it like Matthew McConaughey, Charlie Hunnam, Colin Farrell, Hugh Grant, Jeremy Strong among others so based off that star power alone I thought this wouldn't measure up. I was wrong. This was brilliant. I literally couldn't stop watching this and enjoyed every second of it. The story is about an aristocrat (Theo James) who inherits the family estate. He's unaware that that estate includes running one of the biggest drug empires in the country. That drug syndicate doesn't plan on going anywhere either. You can tell Guy Ritchie was heavily involved in this because it has his style all over it. If you like his films you'll like this series too.

Excellent

[Supermanfan-13 · 9/10 · 8 March 2024]

As a big fan of Guy Ritchie and the movie that this was based off, The Gentleman, I've been looking forward to this since I first heard about it, especially when I heard Ritchie was also creating it and even directing episodes. Even though it's not quite as good as the movie it's still very good and absolutely worth your time to watch this. I enjoyed the style of this series. It makes you enjoy every character and actually care about what happens to them. Theo James was terrific as the lead and between his performance in this and The White Lotus last year I hope it leads to even bigger things for him. If you're looking for a new show that is just a fun watch then this is it. I really hope they do several seasons of this because I'm fully invested.

Brilliant, unique Spin-off

[Twi12 · 10/10 · 8 March 2024]

This is a reminder that TV can just freaking fun and not take itself so seriously! The Gentlemen S1 stands out as a pinnacle of escapism, blending sharp wit, a plot full of intrigue, and a charismatic ensemble cast into a cinematic experience that captivates and entertains from start to finish. Guy Ritchie's unique storytelling style of- by fast-paced dialogue, complex characters, and stylish direction-creates a world that, while grounded in the grit and machinations of the criminal underworld, feels almost fantastical in its execution. Watch the full season as it sets up for what can be an even better second season.

Stylized, Classic

[Sarah423 · 9/10 · 10 March 2024]

I thoroughly enjoyed this series, although I acknowledge that I easily cleared two hurdles that viewers with lower ratings might not: I loved Guy Ritchie's style and didn't find it getting old on me; I didn't know about any movie, so I'm seeing these as "fresh" takes from the start.

Every character in this series was fun to get to know and to try to understand. What complexity. What eccentricity along with believable nuance.

Every actor succeeded in pulling off finely crafted individuals that fit perfectly into the sometimes off-the-wall plot.

They lure viewers in, which is a great reason to keep going.

Another great reason, of course, is that plot.

What a ride!

WITTY FUN

[bbraddock-49896 · 9/10 · 7 March 2024]

If you like this sort of thing: wild, over the top and sometimes ruthless British blokes with a dark sense of humor, you'll probably watch in one binge sitting.

For myself, I found a lot of new faces, so I didn't know what to expect. The leads are entertaining. Vinnie Jones is a nice addition, as a more laid back, but don't mess with me fellow.

The old English estate setting is great to look at in itself.

Once again, Guy Richie has no problem creating a rich environment, and dialog is cleaver and sharp.

Grab a bottle of wine and enjoy the ride.

Never going to top Lock, Stock, Etc or Snatch, but this is great fun.

Highly recommended.

Quality entertainment in classic Guy Ritchie style

[DazzlaMF · 9/10 · 7 March 2024]

Taking the same path of the movie, this Netflix series follows the adventures of former soldier and recently titled Eddie, who inherits the family estate, and unknowingly, a joint-venture weed empire with a London gang.

And it's this entertaining clash of old-English aristocracy and contemporary London drug gang that makes this series entertaining. Eddies older brother, Freddie, who should have inherited, is errant if well meaning, provides some classic ineptitude for comedy value.

And there's a good balance of romantic tension between Eddie and the daughter of the gang's boss to keep you guessing. The casting is good, production values high and storylines engaging.

Witty, stylish and fun, it's a good addition to the Netflix lineup. Not too serious and gory, but with enough tension and characters to keep you entertained.

The Sum of Its Parts is Greater than the Whole

[leftbanker-1 · 9/10 · 10 March 2024]

If that makes any sense. What I'm trying to say while pointing Aristotle's quote into a mirror, is that this is worth watching simply for all of the outstanding individual performances. There are many other reasons to tune in, but the acting clinic on parade here is a lot of fun.

The Parts:

#1 - The Story

Of course, this story began with the film but has only a very tangential relationship with that work. Every episode has a beginning, middle, and an end, as well as a cliffhanger or something else to propel viewers onward. As with his movies, some of the stories worked for me, others didn't. Some of the conflicts were just way too facile with their resolutions. Eddie was pushed into way too many predicaments as he tried to extract his family from the business, accepting too many dangerous assignments for reasons not adequately explained, not to me.

#2 - The Dialogue

Ritchie seems to have developed his own form of dialogue in which street toughs and lowlifes converse with a sort of modern day Shakespearean banter, well above the vernacular of the average dirtbag, whether in real life or in other movies. While Tarantino was propelled into stardom for the way in which some of his characters lapse into long soliloquys, whether on their own or in a group, Ritchie's creations throw around a lot of word-a-day calendar vocabulary in their speechifying. It comes off affected at times, but more often than not his dialogue is a lot of fun.

#3 - The Characters

Bringing fun-as-hell characters to life on the screen is definitely Ritchie's strong point, or one of them. Eddie, Susie, Jimmy, Bobby, and Geoff could all walk away from this and carry their own series. It helps to have such talented actors reading you lines, and it definitely is important for actors to have great material to spin into the roles they help to create.

Compared to about 99% of what is out there in TV and movie land, this series was positively brilliant. Period.

Making Waves: Guy Ritchie's Bold Move into Serialized Storytelling

[danielportman-58376 · 9/10 · 8 March 2024]

When I initially tuned in, I anticipated a B-grade, easy-watching spin-off from a beloved film. Little did I know that Guy Ritchie was involved. After the first episode, I realized what I'd signed up for and relished every moment of the journey.

True to form, the series delivered a plethora of dynamic characters, accompanied by snappy, witty dialogue and intricately woven plot points. It epitomizes the quintessential Guy Ritchie style, offering an extended exploration of characters and storylines.

In conclusion, if you have a penchant for gritty UK mobster shows, this one is tailor-made for you. Sit back, relax, and savor the experience.

Pretty Good But Can Tell Ritchie Only Wrote/Directed First Two Episodes

[cloudstrife-03407 · 7/10 · 18 March 2024]

You can tell Guy Ritchie only wrote (co-wrote) and directed the first two episodes as the show starts off with a crack and runs into a muddy and convoluted plot in episodes 5-7 and a fairly uncreative ending in episode 8.

The show shines with the casting - primarily Kaya Scodelario as Susie Glass. Actually everyone is strong except for Theo James who I thought was miscast and would think he is a poor actor given his track record had it not been for White Lotus Season 2. I don't think he has found his acting niche yet but this isn't it.

There are still Guy Ritchie vibes in the rest of the show after episode 2 and a fun and entertaining cast of characters. Messy plot in the back half and a little uncreative for Ritchie standards but a fun and high energy show.

Absolutely brilliant

[richiehart-37900 · 10/10 · 7 March 2024]

Well worth a watch - instant classic. Guy Ritchie making a series is just a wonderful thing. 8 pockets of brilliance, almost like 8 movies in one.

Main characters absolutely knock it out of the park.. also you have to love the nods to various other shows and series throughout. A refreshing set of new faces as well.

I also really enjoyed the fact the locations used were NOT ones that were obvious / well known. None of the old tired locations like Dyrham Park and Royal Naval College.

Please can there be a series two. Guy Ritchie is probably the best gangster film writer alive and we are very lucky to have him!

Started well, then it rambles on to nowhere.

[gekko_050 · 6/10 · 7 March 2024]

Sleek, cool, funny, and exactly what you'd expect from Guy Ritche when he's on form (his track record is 50/50) at first.

After a couple of episodes it becomes more apparent that while there is an attempt at an overall story, it becomes a ramble with each episode bringing new characters with new problems that needs to be resolved, and it begins to lose its pace and cohesion which is a shame.

The characters are good, the dialogue is good and it is well filmed, but the writing badly lets it down. The formula that works as a fun 90 minutes in a Guy Ritchie film repeated over 10 episodes wears very very thin unfortunately.

It could have been so much better which is a shame.

Starts well, but repeats, then pales into mediocrity.

[doycey · 5/10 · 19 March 2024]

The early few episodes, particularly the first, are very clever and entertaining, however the formula very quickly becomes tedious as it is repeated and rehashed for every remaining episode. Some of the episodes are basically the same story, just told a different way with new characters.

The ending is absolutely ridiculous and I can't believe Mr Ritchie actually thought it was a good way to finish the series.

Ultimately it is worth a watch, the actors were mostly very good, the older brother in particular. The budget appears to have been capable of delivering the great show it fell short of. I'm not sure where all these 9 and 10 star ratings are coming from, but but it was good enough to keep me until the end.

Guy Richie does what he does best

[ssvfolder-1 · 9/10 · 9 March 2024]

I really like Guy Richie movies. He has had his fair share of less successful ones, but for the most part they were good.

This time it's a TV show and a brilliant one at that. It feels like one of those movies, stretched over 8 episodes. It has a typical British dark humor moments, amazing setting (similar to a 2019 movie by the same name), good acting and great plot.

You can't say that everything was perfect and the plot is "fool proof", but the style and the magic of Richie is more than makes up for it.

I feel that it was one of the best decisions from Netflix in recent times, to hire Guy Richie and give him his creative freedom without too much interference from their part. He made it work and it shows.

Absolutely advised for all!

Breaking Bad The Guy Ritchie Version

[krowe33 · 10/10 · 8 March 2024]

Not very often does a new television series come out that really draws you in like this series has me. I want to put it up there with Breaking Bad, Game of Thrones, Sopranos, and the other great series that have come out over the years, but time will tell if this one really stacks up to those series. If I were to compare season one of each though, so far The Gentlemen is looking like it will easily be one of my favorites.

The first episode understsndably starts a little slow as we are introduced to the main characters, but by the end, it really draws you in. Each episode builds on the story and the relationships between the characters, and it just keeps getting better.

I was initially worried about the deviation from the movie, with a completely new cast and perspective, but by episode two, I completely lost any concerns about that. This show holds its own against the movie in every way. That being said... I really hope there is a sequel to the movie. The movie is just begging to be a trilogy.

If you liked the movie, you're gonna love this series. Don't go into it with the movie in mind though. Just watch this as a totally different take on the storyline of the movie. I really hope this one continues for many more seasons!

Funny, brilliant and wild

[Britsahil123 · 10/10 · 7 March 2024]

I couldn't stop binging this! It's a funny and wild ride with an ensemble cast. Theo James was born to play this role and I couldn't help thinking he would make a great Bond, especially after episode 2. Kaya Scodelario is brilliant as the steely Susie Glass. The comic timing of the whole cast is pivotal in making this so watchable.

It's typical British dark humour and I can't wait to discover more jokes on repeat viewing. The locations are fantastic and are characters in themselves. I hope there are more seasons as I want to see how Eddie and Susie continue along with the characters who have survived this season!

Excellent !

[hollymike-87019 · 10/10 · 30 April 2024]

I was delightfully surprised by this series. It's not your run of the mill gratuitous sex and juvenile humor type thing, that is so common these days. It was snappy, gritty and you are taken on a true adventure. Very common of UK television, where they actually rely on the STORY to carry the program. It's a visual delight, as well. The filming locations are a wonder. The mansions and sets were opulant, toss in some exotic cars, horses, lots of great music. I loved the cast....they all worked so well together. The characters are people you will fall in love with and they'll stay with you. I can say now that I am a total Guy Ritchie fan. All I can hope and pray is that if there's a season 2, he doesn't muck it up and stays on track with what he did in the first season.

Masterpiece from Guy Ritchie

[kunalpal-51722 · 9/10 · 9 March 2024]

Guy Ritchie's storytelling prowess has been celebrated by a certain segment of audience starting with Lock Stock or Snatch if not earlier.

This one in some ways a sequel to The Gentlemen (Movie) but has a very fresh approach to that foundation. It starts a bit slow but picks up towards the second half of the first episode. Post that the way the subject is handled and the artistic depth with which it's showcased - it blows your mind. Personally, I couldn't stop before I finished the entire series and I cant wait for season 2.

It has everything that you want from a Guy Ritchie Series and more. Quick shoutout to the cast specially Ray Winstone & Kaya Scodelario. I felt Theo James was good too and held the series tightly together along with other incredible actors.

Series Binging completely recommended!

The posh version of Brassic.

[danielleshaffi · 7/10 · 15 March 2024]

I really enjoyed episode 1 to 6 of the show but by episode 7 and 8 I kind of lost interest in it.

The show started off really fun with great humour. It was sort of ridiculous but in a good way, the type that is so ridiculous it turns out being funny. The whole "all rich people are criminals" really worked but it got a little desperate and rushed towards the end.

In the last 2 episodes I just felt like it stopped being funny and silly and got really serious. They also really rushed the ending I think.. instead of having it all wrapped up in episode 8 they could have added the extra episode and had a really good, action packed ending.

The John the Gospel story seemed like it was going to be rather interesting but I'm still not even sure what happened with that. It just burnt out rather fast. The end storyline with The Game Keeper as well (Vinny Jones) was so cliché it turned into being cringey.

I probably will watch season 2 though because as a whole the show wasn't that bad and its definitely the best thing Netflix has made in a while.

Best thing I've seen on Netflix in a long time

[tacobelle30 · 10/10 · 25 March 2024]

I admit I was a little hesitant to watch 'The Gentlemen' on Netflix because I thought it was just a series of the film and thought it would be rubbish. But when I read the series was not a sequel to the film, I thought I'd give it a whirl... well what can I say? Once I started watching the first episode, I was hooked! To summarise in a nutshell, its British nobility meets the criminal underworld. It's fast-paced, action packed, full of twists and wit with a great soundtrack. Some characters I felt were similar to the film but then, the series was created by Guy Ritchie and all his films have some similarity to them in one way or another as in, they are his style of storytelling but I never tire of it. The acting and comic timing was spot on, Daniel Ings as Freddy Horniman is brilliantly annoying and the plot is wild but easy to follow. Best thing I've seen on Netflix in a long time.

I don't get the fuss?

[catrinwalker · 6/10 · 8 April 2024]

This was such a basic, cliched yet somehow unbelievable 'gangsta' show. I truly don't understand the fuss about this. It is absolutely nothing like the film and not a patch on other similar genred series (Top Boy for example). The constant repetition of names was so irritating and the characters just generally weren't believable. The one character I enjoyed and believed was Bobby Glass but otherwise, I couldn't wait for the show to end! I don't think we will even bother to watch the 2nd series if it's released.

I also have to say this is the first proper review I've ever written on imdb but I couldn't let other people watch this without warning!

The formula that works for a 90 minute Guy Ritchie film repeated over eight episodes wears extremely thin.

[dhunjiwadia · 4/10 · 12 March 2024]

Sleek, cool, humorous - that's just what you would expect from Guy Ritchie. Caricature characters. Embedded with witty stories. In a pause and laugh format.

I love Snatch. I love Lock Stock And Two Smoking Barrels. Don't expect anything like them, though this mess pretends to be like them. The formula that works as a fun ride for a 90 minute Guy Ritchie film repeated over eight episodes wears extremely thin.

Guy Ritchie's signature brand of frenetic crime comedy gets a half baked TV production. Starts well with lots of promise in the first episode. Then rambles on to nowhere. What's worse, it gets worse and worse.

There are twists and turns where characters don't seem to make sense. They get angry. Get betrayed. Then a few moments later everything is forgiven only to be betrayed 10 minutes later. And repeat.

After a couple of episodes it becomes a ramble with each new episode bringing new characters and newer problems. And it begins to lose pace and cohesion. The last few episodes are annoying and the ending is pure garbage.

The characters are portrayed very well. And it's well filmed. The production is great. With exceptional soundtrack and locations. But the writing lets it down badly. There are funny moments but that's as good as it gets.

This is Guy Ritchie's worst work since Swept Away and I thought it was difficult to fall below that level.

The Gentle-meh.

Splendid!

[paul-33497 · 10/10 · 28 April 2024]

I came to this having not seen the film that inspired it, so was in the dark, except for being familiar with Guy Ritchie's style. Talking of Dark, I've just waded through that unintelligible pile of poop - and would happily trade the entire three seasons for 10 seconds of The Gentlemen! Very darkly comic, with superb performances by all the cast - the 'chicken' episode is a particular standout - tragic, brutal and hilarious! I wasn't a great Vinnie Jones fan, from his thuggish football playing days - but he's turned into a fine actor. Here, he plays against type, in some particularly moving scenes. I sincerely hope that this gets recommissioned!

What's not to like

[pastorfbt · 10/10 · 8 March 2024]

Adjust your expectations people! Many of the reviews here and elsewhere bemoan a lack of consistent pace, or uneven character development and presence, or dead ends... just sit back and enjoy. There's enough connection to the concept from the original (and excellent) movie, along with specific shout-outs to specific characters and scenes, to satisfy the cinema nerds.

I'm just a sucker for any sort of British accent, from posh to unintelligible East London cockney. Add in some truly beautiful settings and a - shall we say - varied cast (knowns and lesser knowns), snd you've got a winner. Enjoy!

Excellent, Great Series

[lakings97 · 9/10 · 20 March 2024]

The Gentlemen is a Guy Ritchie Netflix spin-off series based on his 2019 movie by the same that starred Matthew McConaughney. In this series Theo James plays Duke Eddie Hornman who ends up inheriting the family business and all its assets. After completing his duties in the military Eddie returns home to learn that his father has lent the farm to an illegal marijuana growing crime family. Eddie's older brother Freddy played by Daniel Ings had misused the family money to make horrible decisions that caused the Hornmans to work for Susie Glass (Kaya Scodelario). Kaya and Theo were both in the Divergent trilogy and they had great chemistry although they backstabbed each other throughout the series. Guy Ritchie co-wrote, created, and directed this fun, smart and excellent series and I am hoping to see a follow up season to this wonderful show that also has several references with the Godfather trilogy. Vinnie Jones, Michael Vu, Max Beasley costarred and Giancarlo Esposito acted as the American drug dealer trying to buy out the family business. Overall I loved the script, cast, and the cinematography, definitely add this to your must watch list.