Image from IMDb.com
This series has been on my Netflix watch list for quite some time, but I was too scared to try something new. Boy, was I missing out. The description reads:
A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world. (Netflix)
And if razor blades sewn into their caps doesn't sell you on it, Cillian Murphy's cheekbones will. So let me tell you what I like about it in the best way I know how, a list.
Birmingham, England 1919
A major city in the Midlands of England whose citizens (demonym: Brummies) have a distinctly working-class accent and, apparently, a gang problem. It's an interesting time in a part of the world you don't often think about, and it's more diverse than you'd expect. In addition to the Britons, there are Gypsy, Chinese, Irish, and Italian families in play, and that's just in the first episode.
Gang Drama
Not my usual genre; I guess I was just waiting for the right one to come along, and this is it. It's a lot to take in (the word 'convoluted' comes to mind), and sometimes I have to watch a scene twice before moving on, but it's still very captivating. Also, in the beginning of the second episode, you get your first good look at why they sew razors into their hats which is a beautiful, violent, bloody mess...you know, if you're into that kind of thing.
Cillian Murphy / Tommy Shelby
I'm not going to pretend that Cillian Murphy's face wasn't a major reason I finally decided to watch this show. And his talent lives up to his looks. His character Tommy Shelby is the second brother, but plays first fiddle when it comes to running the family business, aided by his aunt who took care of business while he was earning medals in France during the First World War. He's complex, cool, and unexpectedly compassionate. Murphy's portrayal is irresistibly compelling, and damn, can that man wear a three-piece suit.
Helen McCrory / Aunt Polly
You may recognize Helen McCrory from, among other things, the Harry Potter films in which she played Narcissa Malfoy. Her Peaky Blinders character, Aunt Polly, is not all that different from Mrs Malfoy: she's really just looking out for her family despite the shady business they've gotten themselves into. She has a hardened sense of morality, but is the voice of reason the Shelby boys really should listen to, but rarely do.
Production Quality
The cinematography is creative, but not too much so. The costumes and set design are beautiful, but I've no idea how historically accurate they are (and frankly I don't care). It's all just very pleasing to the eye.
The Music
All the historical family gang drama is set to a soundtrack of Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, PJ Harvey, and Jack White. I didn't recognize it until several episodes in, but it adds a familiar layer to a story that seems so foreign.
So there you have it, my latest (unexpected) obsession. Even if it's not your taste, I hope you'll give Peaky Blinders a watch and let me know what you think. I've finished both season currently on Netflix, and I'm on the edge of my seat about what will happen in season 3, whenever that may be.
What's your latest netflix obsession? Seriously though, I'm looking for something to fill the time before season 3.
KB
