Rent Mona Lisa (1986)

A British Gem - Mona Lisa review by PT

Fresh out of the joint George goes to see his old criminal employer Michael Caine for work. He gets a job chauffeuring high class call girl Simone. After an initial dislike of each other George starts to develop a soft spot for the beautiful Simone, and so becomes involved in looking for Cathy, a hooker who Simone used to work the seedy streets with, whom Simone obviously cares very much for.

This search leads to a devastating climax for all involved with the call girls.

Hoskins is in his element in these gangster roles and delivers a great performance. Cathy Tyson is fantastic (in her feature film debut here) as the tough, aloof Simone. Top British cinema.

Great British Crime Film - Mona Lisa review by GI

Top class British crime drama from director Neil Jordan and a film to watch to revel in the sheer brilliance of Bob Hoskins, an actor who created layered characters and could mix a softy with a tough guy all in one. Here he plays George, a career criminal just released from prison after seven years who finds himself out of touch with the criminal world. He's given a job driving a high class prostitute, Simone (Cathy Tyson, in a brilliant performance) to and from her rich clients. Gradually they develop an affection for one another and George, desperate for love, hopes for more. But Simone is playing her own dangerous game which brings both of them into conflict with Mortwell (a sadistic Michael Caine), the local criminal kingpin. The narrative is built around a twisted love story with stark, realistic violence the inevitable conclusion. This is a remarkably good crime film and definitely one I cannot recommend enough.