Mona Lisa Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A recently released convict drives a prostitute around London, falls in love, and learns that even love sometimes has a darker side than the back alleys he used to prowl.

🍿 Mona Lisa: Detailed Plot Synopsis

George’s Release and New Job

George, recently released from prison after seven years, seeks to reconnect with his estranged family. However, his ex-wife is hostile and rejects him. He turns to his friend Thomas for support and seeks work from his former boss, Mortwell. Given his reduced stature in the criminal world, George is assigned to be the driver for Simone, a high-class call girl.

The Relationship with Simone

Initially, George and Simone clash due to their differing backgrounds and personalities. Simone is sophisticated and reserved, while George is a rough, uncouth ex-con. As they spend time together, a complex bond forms. George becomes protective of Simone, while she begins to rely on him, and they share a mutual affection despite the differences in their worlds. Simone hires George to find an old friend.

The Search for Cathy

Simone enlists George’s help in finding Cathy, a young woman from her past who is now a teenage prostitute caught in the dangerous underworld of London’s red-light district. As George searches, he confronts the harsh realities of teenage prostitution and the violence it engenders. He is torn between his growing feelings for Simone and his loyalty to Mortwell.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• George (Bob Hoskins): A recently released ex-con, George navigates London’s criminal underworld while developing an unrequited affection for a high-class call girl.
• Simone (Cathy Tyson): Simone is a sophisticated call girl who forms a complex relationship with her driver, George, while searching for a lost friend in the city’s underbelly.
• Mortwell (Michael Caine): Mortwell is a ruthless crime boss who employs George, pulling him back into the dangerous world he tried to leave behind.
• Thomas (Robbie Coltrane): Thomas is George’s loyal friend, offering him a place to stay and serving as a source of levity amid the grim realities of George’s life.
• Cathy (Kate Hardie): Cathy is a vulnerable young prostitute and Simone’s former lover, whose disappearance prompts George and Simone’s descent into the city’s darkest corners.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• George: “She’s a tart, but she’s a f****** lady too.” – George attempts to explain Simone’s complexity to his friend Thomas, highlighting her duality.
• George: “I never joke.” – George says this when his friend questions if he’s joking about committing murder.
• Mortwell: “Happiness is the little things.” – The local kingpin, says this while subtly threatening George, showing his twisted perspective on life.
• George: “Well, let’s say you’re a lady.” – George says this to Simone when trying to understand her.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,100,000
• Domestic Gross: $5,794,184
• Worldwide Gross: $5,794,184

💥 Mona Lisa Reviews

Personal Review

Mona Lisa hit me hard. I wasn’t prepared for the emotional depths that this movie would take me to. Bob Hoskins’ portrayal of George is so raw and honest, I felt every disappointment and flicker of hope he experienced. The scenes where he’s reconnecting with his daughter, or when he finally confronts Simone, were incredibly moving. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll. A definite recommendation for those who appreciate character-driven stories.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of British crime dramas”
  • “Viewers interested in character-driven stories”
  • “Those who appreciate neo-noir films”
  • “Bob Hoskins fans”
  • “Fans of films set in London”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Violence”
  • “Mature themes (prostitution, drug use)”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Sexual content”

Professional Reviews

• The Guardian: “Hoskins delivers a career-defining performance, capturing both the brute force and surprising tenderness of George. Jordan’s direction expertly navigates the grim realities of London’s underbelly, making for a compelling and emotionally resonant crime drama.
• Empire Magazine: “Mona Lisa transcends genre conventions with its complex characters and unflinching portrayal of exploitation. Tyson shines as the enigmatic Simone, while Caine is chillingly effective in a smaller role. A must-see for fans of British crime cinema.

Audience Reactions

Bob Hoskins’ performance as George is the highlight of the movie, with many praising his raw and emotional portrayal.: Viewers appreciate the film’s realistic portrayal of London’s seedy underbelly and the complex relationship between George and Simone.

Overall Consensus: Mona Lisa is widely praised for its strong performances, realistic depiction of the London underworld, and emotionally resonant story, making it a standout crime drama of the 1980s.

Awards

1. Golden Globe Award (Best Actor – Motion Picture Drama)- 1987
2. BAFTA Award (Best Actor in a Leading Role)- 1987
3. Cannes Film Festival (Best Actor)- 1986

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Bob Hoskins received an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance in Mona Lisa.”
• “The film was produced by George Harrison’s Handmade Films.”
• “The title ‘Mona Lisa’ is a reference to the Nat King Cole song of the same name, which features prominently in the film’s soundtrack.”
• “Director Neil Jordan also explored similar themes of unlikely relationships and moral ambiguity in his later film, ‘The Crying Game’.”
• “The film was shot on location in London and Brighton, capturing the gritty reality of the city’s underbelly.”

🖥️ How to Watch Mona Lisa?

Mona Lisa is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check local listings for streaming options as availability may vary. Physical copies (DVD, Blu-ray) can be found through online retailers such as Amazon and at most major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Mona Lisa, you might like these similar films:

• Taxi Driver (1976): Both films explore the dark underbelly of a city through the eyes of a troubled protagonist who becomes obsessed with rescuing a young woman from a life of prostitution.
• The Long Good Friday (1980): Another British crime film starring Bob Hoskins, showcasing his talent for portraying complex characters in a gritty criminal underworld.
• Get Carter (1971): A classic British crime film with a dark and violent tone, focusing on a gangster seeking revenge, similar to the themes of betrayal and violence in Mona Lisa.
• The Crying Game (1992): Directed by Neil Jordan, this film also deals with unlikely relationships, moral ambiguity, and the exploration of identity in a complex social context.

🛒 Mona Lisa Related Products

• Mona Lisa [Blu-ray]: Experience the gritty realism and captivating performances of ‘Mona Lisa’ in stunning high definition.
• Bob Hoskins: An Unlikely Hero – Biography: Dive into the life and career of the legendary Bob Hoskins, celebrated for his unforgettable performance in ‘Mona Lisa’.
• London Noir: Crime Classics Collection: Explore other British crime films from the era, offering similar gritty realism and character-driven narratives.
• Mona Lisa Movie Poster: Capture the essence of the film with a reproduction of the original movie poster, perfect for displaying your appreciation for this classic.

🎧 Soundtrack

Mona Lisa features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Mona Lisa” – performed by Nat ‘King’ Cole
• “In Too Deep” – performed by Genesis

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Why the Mona Lisa is the KEY to Glass Onion

Ever wondered why the Mona Lisa plays such a big role in Glass Onion? This video breaks down the symbolism and how it connects to the movie’s themes – I didn’t realize how much the painting added to the story!

Why is the Mona Lisa so famous? – Noah Charney

Okay, so the Mona Lisa is in the movie, but why is it such a big deal in the first place? This video dives into the history and mystique surrounding the painting – it’s actually super interesting!

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