The Netflix series The Gentlemen serves as a spiritual successor to Guy Ritchie’s 2019 film of the same name, expanding upon its world of aristocratic criminals and cannabis empires. While sharing thematic DNA and a distinct stylistic flair, the series introduces an entirely new cast of characters and a standalone plot, solidifying its status as a reimagining rather than a direct sequel.
A Shared Universe, a Different Story
The connection between The Gentlemen film and the Netflix series isn’t a linear, chronological one. Instead, it’s a connection of tone, theme, and world-building. Ritchie, heavily involved in both projects, uses the film as a springboard. He leverages the established concept of an unlikely protagonist navigating a complex network of criminals operating beneath the veneer of British aristocracy, but crafts an independent narrative with fresh faces and unique conflicts.
The movie and the series both explore the clash between old money and new crime. They examine the lengths to which individuals will go to protect their empires, whether those empires are built on inherited estates or illicit drug operations. The signature Guy Ritchie aesthetic – sharp dialogue, fast-paced editing, quirky characters, and dark humor – permeates both works, providing a crucial connective thread for audiences familiar with the filmmaker’s style. However, understanding the movie is not a prerequisite for enjoying the series, nor does the series rely on specific plot points from the film. It is a new entry in the same stylish, crime-ridden world.
Key Similarities and Differences
While a shared DNA connects the film and the series, it’s crucial to acknowledge their distinct identities.
Similarities:
- Thematic Focus: Both explore the intersection of aristocracy and organized crime, highlighting the exploitation of land and tradition for illicit purposes.
- Stylistic Approach: The signature Guy Ritchie style is evident in both, characterized by quick cuts, witty banter, and a dark comedic tone.
- World-Building: Both depict a complex ecosystem of criminals, lawyers, and aristocrats all vying for power and control.
- Characters on the Precipice: Both film and series feature characters grappling with difficult choices that will dramatically alter their lives.
Differences:
- Plot and Characters: The Netflix series boasts a completely new plot line centered around Eddie Horniman, who inherits his family’s estate only to discover it’s the center of a cannabis operation. The film, conversely, follows Mickey Pearson’s attempts to sell off his weed empire. No characters cross over.
- Scale and Scope: As a series, The Gentlemen allows for a more expansive exploration of the criminal underworld and its impact on various characters. The film, while well-paced, has a more compressed narrative.
- Focus of Conflict: The movie’s central conflict revolves around the potential sale of the drug empire, while the series explores Eddie’s struggle to extricate his family from the business and maintain their legacy.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H2 FAQs about The Gentlemen: Film and Series
These FAQs aim to address common questions and misconceptions regarding the relationship between the film and the Netflix series.
H3 Q1: Do I need to watch the movie before watching the show?
No, you do not. While appreciating Guy Ritchie’s style and understanding the premise of aristocratic involvement in criminal enterprises will enhance your viewing experience, the Netflix series The Gentlemen is a standalone story. You can enjoy the series without prior knowledge of the film’s plot or characters.
H3 Q2: Are any actors from the movie in the Netflix series?
No, the cast of the The Gentlemen Netflix series is entirely new. While Guy Ritchie is involved in both projects, he opted to tell a completely independent story with different actors.
H3 Q3: Is the series a direct sequel or prequel to the movie?
Neither. The series is not a direct continuation of the movie’s storyline. It exists within the same thematic universe but tells a completely different story with new characters. It’s best described as a spin-off or spiritual successor.
H3 Q4: Does the series explain what happened after the movie’s ending?
No. The series makes no direct reference to the events of the film. The characters and conflicts are unique to the television adaptation.
H3 Q5: What elements are directly carried over from the film to the series?
The primary elements carried over are the tone, style, and thematic exploration of the clash between aristocracy and organized crime. The fast-paced editing, sharp dialogue, dark humor, and quirky character dynamics are all hallmarks of Guy Ritchie’s work present in both the film and the series.
H3 Q6: Is Guy Ritchie the director of all the episodes in the series?
Guy Ritchie directed the first two episodes of The Gentlemen series, setting the tone and establishing the visual style. Other directors then took the helm for subsequent episodes, ensuring consistency in the overall aesthetic while allowing for diverse interpretations of the story.
H3 Q7: Does the series feature any Easter eggs or references to the movie?
While there might be subtle nods to the film that observant viewers might pick up on, the series does not heavily rely on Easter eggs or direct references. The focus is on creating a fresh and engaging narrative.
H3 Q8: Is the series as violent as the movie?
Yes, The Gentlemen series maintains a similar level of violence as the film. It features action sequences and displays of brutality, often presented with a touch of dark humor, reflecting the ruthless nature of the criminal underworld.
H3 Q9: Where does the series take place? Is it the same location as the movie?
Both the film and the series are set in England, showcasing the juxtaposition of the rural aristocratic estates and the urban criminal networks. However, while the movie has scenes in London, the series’ action is primarily based in rural England, where Eddie’s family estate is located.
H3 Q10: What is the main conflict driving the plot of the Netflix series?
The central conflict in the series revolves around Eddie Horniman’s attempts to protect his family and their ancestral home after inheriting his father’s estate, only to discover it’s intertwined with a large-scale cannabis operation. He struggles to navigate the criminal underworld and extricate his family from the dangerous business.
H3 Q11: Is there potential for future seasons of The Gentlemen series?
Given the positive reception and the expansive nature of the world-building, there is indeed potential for future seasons of The Gentlemen. The series’ open-ended conclusion leaves room for further exploration of the characters and their entanglements within the criminal network.
H3 Q12: Is the series suitable for the same audience as the movie?
Generally, yes. If you enjoyed the film’s blend of action, comedy, and crime within a stylish and sophisticated setting, you’re likely to appreciate The Gentlemen series. However, be aware that the series, like the movie, contains mature themes, violence, and strong language, so it may not be suitable for all viewers.