Sexy Beast MPAA Rating: R Entertainment: +1 Content: -4

Former London gangster Gary “Gal” Dove (Ray Winstone) with wife Deedee (Amanda Redman) retires to enjoy the good life on Spain’s Costa del Sol. The quiet life they cherish turns upside down with the appearance of Don Logan (Ben Kingsley), a notoriously violent gangster and Gal’s former boss. Don attempts to persuade Gal to un-retire and join his crack team for a major heist in London. Gal struggles to maintain his current blissful lifestyle but the demons of his past may prove too strong. The highlight of the film is the beauty of Spain’s Costa del Sol and superb acting by Ben Kingsley who exudes evil in his role as Don Logan. However, Americans may find it difficult to decipher the ultra-thick cockney accents over the ever-present soundtrack. But as a foreign film with an arthouse flavor, SEXY BEAST is unlikely to attract many movie-goers this summer

Positive themes include the deep love shown by Gal toward his wife. He also shows tremendous kindness to his Spanish houseboy. He also tries to stay committed to leaving his violent past and preserving his current idyllic lifestyle. These positive elements are far outweighed by dialogue that includes over 100 f-words. There is also a subtle yet prevalent message that crime pays, as the gangsters seem to benefit from past crimes. A sexual orgy is briefly depicted with female breast and male rear nudity. The characters smoke and drink almost continuously. And severe violence, such as execution–style head shots are also portrayed. The combined effect of violence, sexual action, and a constant barrage of obscenity disgusts and revolts.

Preview Reviewer: John Barber
Distributor: Fox Searchlight, 10201 W. Pico Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90035