Mona Lisa (1986)

Harrowing portrait of love gone wrong.

By Stacey  Apr 16, 2002

Bob Hoskins at his best in Neil Jordan's superb crime film whose crimes are all of the heart. Don't go into this thinking that you are getting an Anglo take on film noir, instead this is a brilliant treatment of love that does not and should not work.... Hoskins cemented himself in my mind as one of the finest actors of today with one shot, at the films end, where the enormity of the film's ending is played on his face. No dialogue is necessary; it's all there on the screen. It is a devastating moment and I dare anyone not be affected by it.Excellent support from Cathy Tyson, Michael Caine and Robbie Coltrane. Sharp dialogue, gritty cinematography and smart use of music. Has been in my top ten since I first viewed it. Also, Michael Caine's Mortwell is probably one of the nastiest creatures ever committed to celluloid. Do not miss this. Read more Less