The 25th anniversary of Guy Ritchie‘s crime classic Snatch is rapidly approaching this summer, marking an opportune moment to revisit the film adorned by Brad Pitt‘s performance, which intricately weaves bare-knuckle boxing, organized crime, caravans, and a crew of underestimated Irish travelers. The film kicks off with Benicio Del Toro‘s Franky Four-Fingers embroiled in an Antwerp diamond heist, spiraling into a chaotic mystery after the gem’s theft and Franky’s demise. This movie thrives on its character-driven narrative rather than adhering strictly to plans, effortlessly offering a captivating option for indulgent, lazy weekend re-watches.
In addition to Pitt, Snatch boasts an ensemble cast exemplary of late 90s crime dramas. Jason Statham‘s portrayal of the resourceful boxing promoter, Turkish, alongside Stephen Graham as Tommy, captures their struggle to remain in good graces with mob boss Brick Top through their prized fighter, Gorgeous George. However, Pitt’s Mickey O’Neil shakes things up, inadvertently derailing their plans after knocking out George. Through these events, Ritchie crafts a web of narratives that unfold simultaneously with the pursuit of the stolen diamond, including Franky’s murder by Boris “The Blade” Yuriov played by Rade Serbedzija, creating complications for Abraham “Cousin Avi” Denovitz and Doug ‘The Head” Denovitz, intended recipients of the gem.
Ritchie reprises the compelling visual motifs established in his debut film, Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, employing a much larger budget while inheriting several actors from his previous hit. With Brad Pitt on board, the film ascended toward blockbuster status despite initial criticisms emphasizing parallels to Ritchie’s prior work. Over time, however, Snatch evolved into a cult phenomenon following its home video release, subsequently inspiring a lineage of films akin to those fashioned by Quentin Tarantino. This cinematic piece has contributed to the template for later releases like Smokin’ Aces and Layer Cake, while Ritchie himself continued exploring similar themes in subsequent projects like Revolver (2005), RocknRolla (2008), and a recent genre revisit with The Gentlemen (2019).
Personally, Snatch holds nostalgic significance, being a staple during my high school and early college days. This film resonated within the dorms, offering the same allure as cult favorites like Tarantino’s films, Boondock Saints, and Fight Club. The appealing yet slightly comical approach to criminal elements in Snatch encapsulated the antihero wave prevalent during that era, providing entertainment detached from real-world implications.
A few years ago, Guy Ritchie commemorated the film’s 20th anniversary by sharing a video brimming with behind-the-scenes clips and stories through social media. These insights revealed how Brad Pitt curiously crafted his nearly indecipherable dialogue, further enriching the film’s folklore. Ritchie reportedly declined several lucrative opportunities following Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels, preferring to delve further into the gritty UK underworld environment rather than overextend with uncertain ventures. As Ritchie noted, “Snatch was sort of all the other stories that I couldn’t fit in Lock, Stock,” a choice empowered by prior success, reaffirming his adeptness in this specific genre.
Ultimately, Snatch invites audiences into a fantastical realm where viewers can revel in association with its engaging underworld characters while safely distanced from their dubious morality. In the vivid setting of Ritchie’s London, the film paints criminals as colorful yet amusing figures, far removed from their real-life counterparts. This narrative is humorously underscored by unimaginable scenes, like pigs with insatiable appetites and a deceased man donned in unusual headwear.
Currently available on Prime Video and Paramount+, Snatch is a quintessential exploration of Ritchie’s filmmaking legacy, offering a glimpse into Jason Statham’s career before the advent of Transporter. It stands as a remarkable addition to any Brad Pitt film marathon. Do you hold Snatch in high regard? Would you suggest a different movie to fellow viewers? Share your thoughts with us.
