Face (1997)

42% of critics liked it
(12 reviews)
69% of users liked it
(2,274 ratings)

Five criminals with varying degrees of experience are brought together and torn apart by a major robbery in this hard-edged British drama. Ray (Robert Carlyle) was once a leftist political activist whose ideals were dashed by England's increasing political conservatism, while his close friend Dave… More Five criminals with varying degrees of experience are brought together and torn apart by a major robbery in this hard-edged British drama. Ray (Robert Carlyle) was once a leftist political activist whose ideals were dashed by England's increasing political conservatism, while his close friend Dave (Ray Winstone) is an East End hard man with a long history in crime. Ray and Dave plan a heist that they expect will leave them set for life: the robbery of a major London security firm. Ray and Dave's new associates are Ray's one-time cellmate Stevie (Steven Waddington); Jason (Damon Albarn), whose uncle is veteran mobster Sonny (Peter Vaughn); and Julian (Philip Davis), an unstable young criminal with more ambition than experience. After the break-in, the gang discovers that their haul was far less than expected, which leads to infighting among the thieves over who should get how much, with violence and betrayal as the inevitable result. Face marked the screen debut for Damon Albarn, already well-known in England as the lead singer for the successful rock band Blur. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Play Trailer

Rating, Runtime: R, 1 hr. 43 min.
Directed By: Antonia Bird
Genres: Drama, Action & Adventure, Mystery & Suspense

In Theaters: Jan 1, 1997 Wide
On DVD: Oct 25, 2005
Studio: New Line Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Scott Weinberg, DVDTalk.com
Face had me a little skeptical at the beginning, but the flick coasts along at an appreciable clip, and it's fronted by a half-dozen really enjoyable performances.
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com
Face falls short by simply not having a distinctive one.
Ryan Cracknell, Apollo Guide
In movies you cannot trust anything until the final credits roll.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Bruce B

This movie played at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival, as you know by now I have review a number of movies from this festival. Face is directed by Antonia Bird who brought us Priest, Ravenous, and now Face. Face underworld slang for a gangster. And that?s what this movie… More
This movie played at the 1997 Toronto International Film Festival, as you know by now I have review a number of movies from this festival. Face is directed by Antonia Bird who brought us Priest, Ravenous, and now Face. Face underworld slang for a gangster. And that?s what this movie is about. Gangsters pulling off there last job, 5 in the group, after job is over the 5 go separate ways until the money starts turning up missing. Ray (played by Robert Carlyle) is our head gangster trying to track down the money and keep it all together. My copy showed it being produced by BBC Films, so my guess is mainly for the crowd in England. Still thought dry at times and what Brit film isn't, lack of luster and action, it does hold a good story line and is worth the watch, 3 1/2 stars on this one, would give it 3 3/4 stars if they had that but not 4. A good rental.
Film C

Well I'm not to shore what to make of this film, its good because it has action and is good with a good raid on a money building and has a good sense of humour but it just seemed like a pointless movie really! Carlyle and Winstone and others are armed robbers and they rob this… More
Well I'm not to shore what to make of this film, its good because it has action and is good with a good raid on a money building and has a good sense of humour but it just seemed like a pointless movie really! Carlyle and Winstone and others are armed robbers and they rob this place and end up steeling 367 thousand pounds but once they've got the money and gone seperate ways someone is going around killing and stealing the money back but they dont know who it is and make some horrible discoverys! Its a good movie but weird and seems a tad pointless but i guess worth a watch!
Lady D

One of my favourite British films, so many well know faces in this film, both big stars like Ray Winston, Robert Carlisle and Phil Davis, along with lots of others that Brits will recognise. A story of a robbery that turns into a dog eat dog competition of greed. I think Robert… More
One of my favourite British films, so many well know faces in this film, both big stars like Ray Winston, Robert Carlisle and Phil Davis, along with lots of others that Brits will recognise. A story of a robbery that turns into a dog eat dog competition of greed. I think Robert Carlisle has to be one of the best British actors at perfecting different regional accents. VERDICT: Quite an old film now, but if you've not seen it, give it a watch, I have probably watched this film around 10 times at least
xGary X

Robert Carlyle and Ray Winstone are the archetypal modern cocker-nee villains, and this is a watchable heist/revenge thriller in the tradition of Get Carter and Lock, Stock. It doesn't have the quirkiness and panache of Ritchies best work, but it's a solid british gangster… More
Robert Carlyle and Ray Winstone are the archetypal modern cocker-nee villains, and this is a watchable heist/revenge thriller in the tradition of Get Carter and Lock, Stock. It doesn't have the quirkiness and panache of Ritchies best work, but it's a solid british gangster pic.
Mike

Ray Winstone is always great, and he does well here, too.