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Snatch
7.8

Snatch (2000)

Sep 01, 2000 1h 43m Crime Comedy

Unscrupulous boxing promoters, violent bookmakers, a Russian gangster, incompetent amateur robbers and supposedly Jewish jewelers fight to track down a priceless stolen diamond.

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Directed by Guy Ritchie

Cast

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Crew

Director
  • Guy Ritchie
Writer
  • Guy Ritchie
Producer
  • Matthew Vaughn

Reviews

John Chard
8/10

In the quiet words of the Virgin Mary... come again?

Snatch seems to be one of those spunky British gangster films that critics are divided on, yet it's loved by the target audience. Guy Ritchie has done a Sam Raimi, he has remade the first film that put him on the cinematic map. Where Raimi remade The Evil Dead, and just called it Evil Dead II, Ritchie cheekily tries to get away with remaking Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels and calling it Snatch. Sure the circumstances in plotting are different, and there's a big American star brought in to beef things up for the global market, but it's the same movie and without doubt it's lazy film making. But it still - like Evil Dead II - Rocks!

Snatch in story terms is concerned with a big diamond that stitches together a number of threads involving the London underworld. Some rough and tough Romany types join in the fun, headed by a purposely illegible Brad Pitt, while Dennis Farina, Benicio Del Toro and Rade Serbedzija add more cosmopolitan meat to the crooks and gangster stew. The British cement holding the building up comes in the twin forms of Jason Statham and Stephen Graham, with Vinnie Jones once again turning up to frighten the masses. Everything from bare knuckle fighting to bumbled robberies - to dog fighting and shifty arcade empires - are here, with Ritchie writing characterisations that positively boom off of the screen.

As with "Lock-Stock", the beauty is in the way violence and humour are deftly blended. Scenes are often bloody but also bloody funny, a pearl of dialogue is never far away from a perilous situation. The comic tone is more close to the knuckle here, Ritchie having fun toying with ethnic and machismo stereotypes, while he brings his bag of visual tricks before it got boring. The narrative is deliciously complex, but much credit to Ritchie for the way he pulls all the threads neatly together in a whirl of scene splicing and cocky literary assuredness.

So it's "Lock-Stock 2" then! No bad thing if you happen to be a fan of that sort of wide boy malarkey. If you don't like it? Then jog on sunshine. 8/10

Jul 5, 2015

skibididid1
10/10

Peak cinema. I absolutely love this movie, this is a fast-paced, filled with jokes and charismatic characters rollercoaster that's definetely worth watching

Feb 22, 2025

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Thematic Analysis

Snatch represents a fascinating example of Crime/Comedy cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Guy Ritchie brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2000, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its critical acclaim reflects its artistic achievements and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Snatch took approximately 32 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • With a budget of $10.0 million, the film proved to be a financial success, earning back its investment and more.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 153 minutes long.
  • The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
  • The film contains approximately 1722 individual shots.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 5 weeks before filming began.

Historical Context

  • In 2000, when this film is released:
  • Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
  • Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
  • Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.

How This Film Stands Out

While Snatch shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike Kill Bill: Vol. 1, which focuses more on action than character development, Snatch offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.

While films like A History of Violence and Brazil explore similar territory, Snatch stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: September 1, 2000
  • Runtime: 1h 43m
  • Budget: $10,000,000
  • Revenue: $83,600,000

Where to Watch

Paramount Plus Apple TV Channel

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