TV watcher

Plunkett and Macleane

review by Orlando C. Fernando

October 10, 1999

Storyline: 8 (0=worst, 10=best)
Originality: 8
Acting: 9
Special Effects: 2
Overall: B+ (F=worst, A=best)

A UK production film, filmed in the UK and Spain (and one other country I cannot recall). Lots of work to tell the true story of a gentleman and low class rogue in 18th century England who to try to steal their way to the top. Plunkett (Robert Carlyle) and Macleane (Jonny Lee Miller) find themselves in a horrid jail for different crimes with no apparent way to freedom. That is, until, Plunkett...um...excretes out the ruby that he had recently stolen and swallowed. The ruby buys both of them freedom - freedom which Plunkett wants to take advantage. The two decide to get rich quick by being two disguised highwaymen (English term for masked robbers) holding up wealthy folk's road carriages for loot. Macleane is actually a gentleman himself, so Plunkett tries using Macleane's strengths and influences with the rich to do their capers. Macleane, initially not too fancy on the scheme, would always apologize to the victims after every steal before departing. This gives the duo the embarrassing label of the "gentlemen highwaymen". Further complicating the duo's focus is Macleane's lust for aristocratic gambling and the Lord Chief Justice's daughter Rebecca (Liv Tyler). She, coincidentally, is also one of the first victims involved in Plunkett and Macleane's holdups. How well and for how long can the duo keep up their moonlighting double lives?

Y ou may recognize Robert Carlyle, who portrayed the hilarious schemer of the recent English hit "The Full Monty". (In "Full Monty," his goal was to get a gang to do a full clothing strip tease.) He does not lose form at all in this film, being just as dastardly and raw while always sticking to the cause of his capers.

L iv Tyler seemed limiting in her role. She does a superb job letting her facial expressions, especially her eyes, speak silent words. And the chemistry between Rebecca and Macleane is riveting. However, she seems to get limited action in the storyline and thus seems underused.

A good story of suspense, riveting not overwhelming action, and light comedy in a historic setting. I do only criticize the backdrop of modern rap/alternative music which seems to be the annoying trend in American historical Hollywood films ("Romeo & Juliet", "Ever After"). There are a few pretty harsh graphic scenes interspersed with the story, but never runs too long. It is a pity this English gem of a movie did not make it into the Hollywood blockbusters.

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