Gangster No. 1
2000 · Movie · 103 min · ★ 6.4 · 66% critics
When a longtime crime boss learns his former leader is about to be released after decades in prison, he spirals into memories of his own rise through London’s underworld. Looking back on years of ambition, envy, and escalating brutality, he revisits the choices that made him powerful—and the betrayals that still haunt him.
Where to watch
Not currently available to stream in the US.
2 hours to watch.
Not currently available to stream, rent, or buy in the US.
Streaming availability and prices may be inaccurate or change — verify with the provider before subscribing.
unSUB's subscription recommendations are informational only, not financial advice.
More value for your money
Similar titles, ranked by watch-hours per subscription dollar.
Details
- Years
- 2000
- Release date
- 2000-06-09
- Language
- English
- Runtime
- 103 min
- Critic score
- 66/100
- TMDB rating
- 6.4/10 (236 votes)
About
You’ll likely enjoy this if you want a bleak, tense British gangster story driven by ambition and menace, with a dark edge similar to Sexy Beast; Not for you if graphic violence, harsh language, or grim characters are dealbreakers.
Pros: relentless tension; strong performances; dark London underworld | Cons: extreme violence; heavy profanity; uneven tone at times
Themes
- prison
- casino
- forgiveness
- gangster
- repayment
- machete
- rise and fall
- sociopath
- revenge
- extortion
- sledgehammer
- stabbed to death
Awards & recognition
- European Film Award — European Discovery of the Year · 2000 · nominated
Cast & crew
Paul Bettany
as Younger Gangster
Malcolm McDowell
as Gangster 55
David Thewlis
as Freddie Mays
Jamie Foreman
as Lenny Taylor
Saffron Burrows
as Karen
Kenneth Cranham
as Tommy
Eddie Marsan
as Eddie Miller
Andrew Lincoln
as Maxie King
Doug Allen
as Mad John
Razaaq Adoti
as Roland
Directed by Paul McGuigan