A Tough Brew: The Guvnors

Let me tell you, folks, when you sit down with a film like “The Guvnors,” it’s like diving headfirst into a pot of English breakfast tea that’s been steeping way too long. You think you know what you’re getting, but then it knocks you sideways with an unexpected kick.

This movie is like a hard nut to crack, full of grit and grime. It’s directed by Gabe Turner. That fella, he does a pretty decent job bringing out the rough-and-tumble vibe of South East London. As it’s a mix of nostalgia and new blood, The Guvnors gives us something to chew on, even if it’s a tad difficult to swallow at times.

Harley Sylvester, of Rizzle Kicks fame, takes an interesting plunge into acting here. That lad’s got something raw, yet refreshing, though I wasn’t sure about him at first. Chalk that up to preconceived notions. And who could forget Doug Allen? He’s got that rugged Brit thing going on. Knows how to throw a punch verbally and literally! But aye, sometimes it feels like they force a square peg into a round hole—you get what I mean?

A Pint-Sized Memory

It took me back to when me and my mates, young and foolish, decided to form our own “gang” on the backstreets of Norrmalm. Ours was more mischief than menace, but the film’s themes of loyalty and rivalry pluck a familiar chord. I remember us trying to “rule” our block, armed with nothing more than wooden sticks and wild imaginations.

Now, back to the movie—it’s a bit of a bumpy ride, filled with bruises and maybe too much testosterone. But there’s heart buried there; you just gotta look past the fists. It raises a pint to the old days, while questioning if those days should be celebrated or left behind. Great for a chat over a fika, perhaps not everyone’s cup of tea, but hey, we’ve all got a grain of hooligan in us somewhere.

Catch it when you’re in the mood for some British grit, and let me know what side of the street you land on. Grab popcorn…or maybe a hard cider?

Check the trailer below