Layer Cake
Layer Cake

Layer Cake

2004Movie105 minEnglish

When a seemingly straight-forward drug deal goes awry, XXXX has to break his die-hard rules and turn up the heat, not only to outwit the old regime and come out on top, but to save his own skin...

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Insights

IMDb6.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes74%
Metacritic61/100
Google Users83%
Director: Matthew VaughnGenres: Crime, Thriller, Drama

Plot Summary

An intelligent and ambitious London drug dealer wants to retire from the game. Before he can, his boss tasks him with a dangerous job: find the missing daughter of a powerful associate. This mission pulls him into a complex web of betrayal, violence, and double-crosses involving rival gangs and corrupt police.

Critical Reception

Layer Cake was critically acclaimed for its stylish direction, sharp script, and Daniel Craig's compelling performance. It was praised as a sophisticated and fresh take on the British gangster genre, earning comparisons to classic films like 'Get Carter'. The film was seen as a significant breakout for director Matthew Vaughn and a powerful showcase for Craig before his James Bond role.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its slick, modern take on the British gangster film.
  • Daniel Craig's performance as the unnamed protagonist was highlighted as a star-making turn.
  • The film was commended for its intricate plot and stylish direction.

Google audience: Google users largely appreciated the film's engaging plot, fast-paced action, and strong performances, particularly from Daniel Craig. Many found it to be a well-crafted and entertaining crime thriller with a satisfyingly complex narrative.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best British Film at the BAFTA Awards.

Fun Fact

Daniel Craig was chosen for the role of James Bond partly due to his performance in Layer Cake, with producer Barbara Broccoli stating that seeing him in this film convinced her he was the right person for the role.

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My Review

TMDB Reviews

2 reviews
r96sk

r96sk

Absolutely tremendous! I haven't got much <em>(edit: five paragraphs later...)</em> to say about <em>'Layer Cake'</em>, but that's only because it's simply one of those movies that is undeniably outstanding, to the point it's plain and s...
John Chard

John Chard

I'm not a gangster, just a businessman. And my commodity happens to be cocaine. With a considerable amount of cash saved from his, ahem, dealings. A London drug dealer is all set to retire abroad and start a new life. However his mob bos...