Peaky Blinders | Review

The first time that I heard of Peaky Blinders I was in HMV accumulating a lengthy christmas list last year. At the sound of the words ‘Tom Hardy’ - which were in the a conversation in the next row - I was immediately on my way round to covertly inspect the scene. What I saw looking back at me was Peaky Blinders- Series 2. Even though I had seldom heard of the show, by just looking at the cast list, brief reviews on the cover and soundtrack which included Red Right Hand by Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds (it doesn’t stop there – the entire soundtrack is made up from gritty, gravelly contemporary pieces)- I knew I needed the programme in my life. 

At first glance the name intrigued me, just what was a Peaky Blinder? A selection of elucidations entered my mind, however, it turns out that Peaky Blinders were a criminal gang based in Birmingham, England, in the late 19th century following World War 1. They were one of the urban youth gangs in the era, which were among the earliest of modern street subcultures, with names which evolved from the fact that the members stitched razor blades into the peak of their flat caps, which could then be used as weapons (this made for some pretty satirical fight scenes, I’ll tell you that!)

Cillian Murphy portrays the gang’s leader Tommy Shelby- an ambitious, dangerous and traumatised head to the pack. After serving in the war, Tommy is like a lot of the cast, recovering… economically, socially and emotionally. Yes, okay, he’s on the earnest take (although much of the plot revolves around his endeavours to legitimise the family business albeit by fairly nefarious means); has come home with a sense of profound disassociation that neither women, nicotine or the occasional hit of opium can shift and is not at all adverse to slashing faces with his cap razors and whatnot, but in basically every episode there were also reminders of the good heart that beats beneath the impassive surface, as evidenced by his extraordinary loyalty and generosity to his family and friends.

Shelby family dynamic is sometime which interests the audience, as it is the second son who is in charge and not the elder; making us particularly sympathise with Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson), whose position seemed to me to be rather an awkward one even if it is obvious why it is Tommy who is in charge of the whole shebang rather than him. Of course, as the show progresses, it becomes startlingly clear that there are more deep-seeded reasons than mere precedence to pity Arthur Shelby - who is as damaged as his younger brother by their experiences as tunnellers in World War One - but instead of retreating into himself, has become more dubious and shockingly violent. In the second series, the dark side of his nature becomes ever more crude and overwhelming, when his character evolves deeper, as he discovers ‘Tokyo’ or cocaine and is given a London nightclub to look after, with foreseeable horrible results.

These siblings and the admirable third Shelby brother John, who caused worry when thinking that he might fortuitously swallow and choke on the tooth pick that he chews on incessantly in the first series, all make the series worth a watch.

The actual members of the Peaky Blinders

For me though, it was Polly Shelby, the Shelby brother’s aunt and family matriarch, who really stole the whole show. Played with a mesmerising, powerful charisma and bravado by Draco Malfoy’s mother, as fiercely protective and loyal of her family as Tommy, she was the avenging angel of the show and, like a vixen protecting her cubs, never more terrifying than when made to feel vulnerable or forced to protect her own. Polly was only one of the selection of strong female characters who gave a foundation of appeal in the show. With the significant sister (Ada) being one of these, a heart breaking love story is interpreted into the programme, showing a forbiden love between a Shelby and Communist, Freddie Thorne. However, it is impossible to commend Tommy’s feeble love interest, cross spy, cross over confident admirer of her singing talents.

There should also be a special mention at this point for Tom Hardy’s amazing and surprisingly comedic, yet still absolutely terrifying performance as series two protagonist Alfie Solomons, a barking mad Jewish gangster based in north London. Its no secret, I’m a self obsessed Tom Hardy stalker - cough, uh - fan. With him on board, not a lot could have gone wrong (except maybe a dodgy accent here and there). 

In anticipation, I wait for series 3 of Peaky Blinders; an absolute must see and effortless to enjoy. Additionally, binge watching is a breeze, at only 6 episodes a series- both series barely took a couple days. The cinematography is golden and iconic, the script is outrageous and the cast are perfect. This review is going to be concluded with a quote from Tom Hardy regarding a change of look :

“I ain't shaving my beard off. To shave my beard off would be to cut my f*cking nuts off. You know what I mean? Without them, I am no longer… I am now a lie. Why would I do that?”… there, ended perfectly.