Gangster No. 1 Poster

Gangster No. 1 2000

★ 6.4231 votes103 min📅 2000-06-09

"There can only be ONE!"

Paul McGuigan's *Gangster No. 1 (2000)* is a gritty crime drama that plunges into the murky world of London's underworld, where loyalty is a fleeting illusion and betrayal is the only currency that matters.

Director: Paul McGuigan

Cast

Paul Bettany
Paul Bettany
Younger Gangster
Malcolm McDowell
Malcolm McDowell
Gangster 55
David Thewlis
David Thewlis
Freddie Mays
Jamie Foreman
Jamie Foreman
Lenny Taylor
Saffron Burrows
Saffron Burrows
Karen
Kenneth Cranham
Kenneth Cranham
Tommy
Eddie Marsan
Eddie Marsan
Eddie Miller
Andrew Lincoln
Andrew Lincoln
Maxie King
Doug Allen
Doug Allen
Mad John
Razaaq Adoti
Razaaq Adoti
Roland

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Gangster No. 1 (2000) about?

The film follows the rise and fall of a young gangster who rises through the ranks of London's criminal underworld under the mentorship of Freddie Mays. When Freddie is released from prison after 30 years, the protégé's past resurfaces, forcing him to confront the betrayals that defined his life.

Who directed Gangster No. 1?

Paul McGuigan directed *Gangster No. 1 (2000)*, bringing a sharp, stylish approach to the crime thriller genre.

Who stars in Gangster No. 1?

The film features Paul Bettany, Malcolm McDowell, David Thewlis, Jamie Foreman, and Saffron Burrows in its standout cast.

Is Gangster No. 1 (2000) worth watching?

If you enjoy gritty crime dramas with complex characters and tense storytelling, *Gangster No. 1* is absolutely worth your time. Its sharp direction, strong performances, and darkly engaging plot make it a standout in the genre.

How long is Gangster No. 1?

The runtime of *Gangster No. 1* is 103 minutes.

🎥 Trailer

About Gangster No. 1 (2000) — A Gritty Crime Drama of Betrayal and Power

Paul McGuigan's *Gangster No. 1 (2000)* is a gritty crime drama that plunges into the murky world of London's underworld, where loyalty is a fleeting illusion and betrayal is the only currency that matters. The film unfolds through the eyes of its narrator, an aging gangster whose life unravels as he learns of his former mentor's release from prison after three decades behind bars. Flashbacks reveal a young Freddie Mays, a ruthless crime boss who took the protagonist under his wing, shaping him into a loyal enforcer—only to become the very obstacle standing between him and power. The atmosphere crackles with tension, blending raw violence, dark humor, and a simmering sense of vengeance.

At its core, *Gangster No. 1* explores themes of identity, power, and the cyclical nature of revenge, all wrapped in the slick, stylish aesthetic of early 2000s British crime cinema. With standout performances from Paul Bettany as the conflicted protégé and Malcolm McDowell as the cunning Freddie Mays, the film delivers a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The gritty realism and sharp dialogue make it a standout in the crime genre, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.