Dom Hemingway [Blu-ray]

DOM HEMINGWAY is a perfectly genial and entertaining film at first, with Jude Law clearly relishing the opportunity to play a no-holds-barred bad guy, but it becomes much less so as it progresses. The basic plot is that Dom Hemingway (Jude Law) is an ace safecracker who does a 12-year stint in jail for keeping his mouth shut. Upon his release, he sets out to make up for lost time and collect the money that is owed him. Also, in an attempt to make his character more palatable to the audience, there is a subplot about him trying to reconnect with his estranged daughter. The first part of that is a great premise, and one that the movie would have been better to stick with. The second part is filler, to be honest, and the filmmakers lose points for not making a sincere effort at giving Jude Law a believable character arc that would work for the character, as well as be cathartic for the audience. Obviously, Jude Law takes center stage here, and he gives a bravura performance as an abrasive, headstrong gangster that seems to have the worst luck in the world, proving the saying that nice guys finish last. Except that he's really not that nice of a guy, code of ethics or not. The first half of the film is rather easy to get through because of the antics, partying, drug-taking and carousing that one usually sees in these type of films. And to its credit, this film does it well and with some style. The problem is that it never really finds its footing after that. Dom just staggers on from misfortune to misfortune, only to get out by the skin of his teeth. He makes no concerted effort to develop as a person, which didn't necessarily have to happen, but then the film should have taken a different direction and not tried to make him appear likable in the first place. I'm also a little miffed because of the misleading trailer, which seemed to indicate there would be more family drama. That would have worked, but again the filmmakers dropped the ball there (or more specifically, writer-director Richard Shepard). On the plus side, in addition to Jude Law, Richard E. Grant gives a fine performance as Dickie, Dom's friend and counterpoint to his occasional insanity. To their credit, they have great chemistry and play really well off of each other. Demian Bichir also has a small role as Mr. Fontaine, a crime boss who Dom visits to collect the share he's been waiting for. Other positives include a nice episodic structure built around lines of dialogue in the film. The film is also very well-shot, with some nice on-location shooting in the UK and France. Overall, I have to say I'm a bit disappointed with this film. I thought I was getting one thing, but I got another. Jude Law gives one of his best (and loudest) performances, but his character is a bit too grating at times and the story he is saddled with never really goes to any interesting or unique places. If Cockney crime films are your cup of tea or you're a Jude Law fan, then by all means give this a watch. For everyone else, I'd say skip it.

Enter Dom Hemingway- a safe-cracking ex-convict, polyester wearing, Cockney muck-spouting, verbal raconteur protagonist on the road to redemption and reconciliation. Jude Law never fails to disappoint in his multiplistic ability to get into the "crotch" so-to-speak and mind of his characters and take the viewers on a joy ride they will never forget-nor him. In spite of Dom's eccentric egotist, Jude's transformative portrayal proves that he is not afraid to dive deep into the soul of his characters and the struggles of mere existence in a world where he sets the rules, until he finds himself facing a "dark night of the soul" changing his perspective from self-serving narcissitic git, to one empathizing to the people he has hurt the most-namely his daughter and grandson. Dickie played by Richard E. Grant does an excellent job as informant and Dom's ride-or-die, presenting dark humor in palatable chunks being the only one capable of forgiving Dom at the height of his authentic repugnancy.

OK, what I did like/love: the bright/wild colors, the insane action (like that slow motion car crash), Dom trying to prove himself useful to mobsters who'd taken over whilst he was in prison, his desperation which leads to more of his bragg=adoccio. The bragadoccio is so over-the-top it is hilarious.Loved all his scenes with his daughter & grandson. Very touching. I do not get the negative reviews which say that his longing for his daughter seems "tacked on." He was talking about his daughter from minute one (after the Absurdly LOUD paean to his c---k) Loved the ending (no spoilers) at the graveyard & the few moments after that. Ends with hope.I liked his best friend (played by the actor who was the upper class art dealer in Downton Abbey, here playing a far different type) I loved his daughter (Game of Thrones/Danerys)What I didn't like: if you loved movies like Trainspotting, this isn't quite at that INSANE level.There were FAR too many C---T words but I am married to a Brit' and that is actually a word used nonstop by East End (poor white) people, men & women. I am happy my husband's family are from Hamble Village, where that word is not so commonly used. And yes, too many F*** words but yes again, that is how the hardscrabble east end poor white "trash" thuggies do speak.My favorite film with Jude Law in it is hardly ever even talked about. Genius, with Jude playing the writer Thomas Wolfe.I get what the director was trying to do but it didn't quite work for me.

Safecracker Dom Hemingway (Jude Law) leaves the stir after a twelve year stretch for keeping his mouth shut. He's pale, paunchy, puffy, and looking for payback. All spit and vitriol Hemingway wants compensation for his lost time in the form of quid, lots of it, in his pocket. Taking no prisoners Hemingway smokes, drinks, and fornicates like it's his last chance to indulge his vices. Some fault the film for being over-the-top and in lesser hands that may be the case. Law, however, is a very intuitive actor which doesn't mean he's not willing to take chances. Seemingly infused with testosterone he instinctively knows how far to go and still engender sympathy from his audience. Law's hysterical opening monologue about his privates is worth the price of admission alone. One of the best performances and films of the year. Fox seems to have adopted a policy of releasing niche films like this one on Blu-ray only. I happened to come across a used DVD rental copy of this film. Upcoming releases "Calvary" and "The Drop" are also going to get the Blu-ray only treatment. This is unfair to those of us who refuse to upgrade.

If you liked Snatch, Lock stock and two smoking barrels, and sexy beast then you will probably like this, but expect something a little different and a bit more challenging. The startling opening scene sets the hard edged in your face tone of the film. The director constantly challenges your expectations and the twists and turns of the plot maintain interest. Jude Law plays a larger than life career criminal being released after serving a long term for armed robbery. The film follows him as he attempts to reestablish himself in a world which may have moved on without him.... stand by for an astounding performance from Law who throws everything into this role including the kitchen sink. Playing against his normal typecasting he pulls off a remarkable performance around which the rest of the film revolves. Bombastic, filled with bravado, surprisingly vulnerable, brash, cocksure, hilariously repellant and yet strangely engaging as his reactions to the vicissitudes inflicted on him reveal the real man beneath the persona he has created to be a "face" in the london underworld.Watch it. Stand by for very strong language. Enjoy an interesting challenging fable / over the top shaggy dog story.

A very funny film, although it covers a violent theme where the main character is really not very nice it works.The two main characters, Jude Law and Richard E. Grant play the parts very well.The story is a coming to terms with life story and follows the release from prison of Dom Hemingway, who has done his time and kept quiet, but now wants his share of the haul. His best friend (Grant), acts as Dom's guide in life through the hilarious events of the next few days where Dom needs to come to terms with the fact that he is no longer really wanted by his family and associates.Very similar in feel and style to films like "Lock stock..."

Good cast, potential to be worthwhile but in the end a great disappointment. I'm glad that I bought a second hand copy. When the book club, (which also takes DVDs and CDs), reopens after the coronavirus lockdown, they will be getting this one. Best of luck to whoever picks it up there.

Detestable character and silly storyline. I wouldn’t even insult my local charity shop by giving it to them. It’s gone straight in the dustbin. I’m not familiar with the work of Jude Law, but I will certainly avoid anything with his name in the future.

A down to earth crime comedy not for the faint hearted.Dom is a career criminal who has just done a long stretch inside.He now wants payback from his boss for not grassing him up.Things do not go as planned & murder, mayhem, sex & drugs are the order of the day.