Once Upon a Time in London

Synopsis

Once Upon a Time in London tells the gritty tale of the birth of London's infamous gangland during the tumultuous 20th century. The film chronicles the rise and fall of notorious gangsters, capturing the gritty atmosphere of the capital in the 1960s and 70s. Through the lens of crime and survival, we are introduced to a cast of characters grappling with loyalty, betrayal, and the harsh realities of a life entrenched in the underworld. Terry Stone stars as a charismatic yet ruthless figure, navigating alliances and rivalries while ultimately questioning the cost of power. This criminal drama paints a vivid picture of a city steeped in violence and the moral ambiguities that come with it. With tension-filled sequences and a raw portrayal of gang life, the film explores the socio-economic factors that foster a world ruled by crime, reflecting on how these decisions echo through generations. As the stakes escalate, we are compelled to witness the lengths to which individuals will go to carve out their legacies in a world that seems to thrive on chaos.

Cast

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  Terry Stone

  Jack 'Spot' Comer

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  Leo Gregory

  Billy Hill

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  Holly Earl

  Aggie Vaux

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  Jamie Foreman

  Alf White

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  Justin Salinger

  Harry White

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  Dominic Keating

  Belgian Johnny

Reviews

Once Upon a Time in London has received a mixed reception from critics and audiences alike. With an IMDb rating of 5.2/10 and a dismal 17% on Rotten Tomatoes, opinions seem to largely reflect disappointment. According to The Guardian, the film 'fails to capture the gritty essence of its era, drowning in a predictable narrative and shallow character development.' However, some reviewers have pointed out the film's ambition. Screen Daily noted, 'Despite its flaws, there is an audacity to its storytelling that demands attention.' While many agree that the performances, particularly by Terry Stone, were commendable, they found the script lacking depth. A review on Metacritic echoed this sentiment, stating, 'The film struggles with pacing and coherence, but it has moments that glimmer with potential.' Overall, Once Upon a Time in London could be considered a study in inconsistencies, demonstrating sparks of brilliance that often dissipate in a haze of poorly executed scenes and uninspired dialogues. Critics remain divided, but the film's intent to portray the darker sides of London’s criminal history is evident, even if the execution leaves much to be desired.