esrosedotblog

SMILE?

Today's NYTimes Best 1176 Film was Neil Jordan's

Mona Lisa (1986)

with Bob Hoskins in his breakout role.

Robbie Coltraine is Hoskin's faithful sidekick. I love him. I think that he is in all Jordan's movies.

Michael Caine also turns in a terrific performance as a crime boss; sleaze overlaid with slime in a nice suit.

The plot is convoluted but you always know where you are.

Hoskins is a tough ex-con with a soft heart. Sure, it is a cliché but it is a winning one here.

I was quite touched emotionally at the end.

This is one of the best we have seen in a while.

I do wish that they did not assume we can understand Brit though. Subtitles would have helped this gorgeous Criterion restoration.

I will give it a 5 out of Netflix5.