🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Dominic Anciano, Ray Burdis
- Genre: Crime, Comedy
- Release year: 2000
- Runtime (length): 1h 43min
- IMDb rating: 6.4/10 (5.9K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: N/A
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A postal worker really, *really* wants to join a gangster group, and somehow it all devolves into karaoke and cross-dressing, which is honestly just a normal Tuesday in London.
🍿 Love, Honour and Obey: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to Jonny and the Gang
Jonny, a postman bored with his mundane life, seeks a more exciting path. He approaches his childhood friend Jude, who is involved in his uncle Ray’s criminal gang in North London. Jonny hopes to join the gang and experience a life of crime, despite Jude’s initial reluctance due to mixing friendship with family business.

Jonny’s Integration and Growing Discontent
Ray agrees to bring Jonny into the gang, and Jonny uses his courier job to steal credit cards, proving his worth. However, Jonny quickly becomes disillusioned with the gang’s lack of serious criminal activity, finding them more interested in frivolous pursuits like wedding planning than engaging in violent acts. This frustrates Jonny, who craves more action and excitement.

Escalating Tensions and Conflict
Driven by his desire for violence and chaos, Jonny repeatedly tries to instigate conflict with a rival gang from South London. His actions create tension within Ray’s gang and threaten to escalate into a full-blown war. The film explores whether Jonny will succeed in his pursuit of glory through violence and the consequences of his reckless behavior.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Jonny (Jonny Lee Miller): A bored postman who seeks excitement and validation by joining his childhood friend’s uncle’s North London criminal gang.
- Jude (Jude Law): A polished and successful member of his uncle’s gang, torn between loyalty to his family and his childhood friend.
- Ray Kreed (Ray Winstone): The powerful and somewhat nonchalant leader of a North London criminal gang.
- Kathy (Kathy Burke): Ray’s partner who provides a grounding influence amidst the gang’s chaotic activities.
- Matthew (Rhys Ifans): A volatile member of a rival South London gang who becomes a target for Jonny’s antics.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Matthew: “Enter the fuckin’ dragon!” – Matthew shouts this during a moment of escalating tension, showcasing his volatile and aggressive personality.
💰Box Office
- Budget: N/A
- Domestic Gross: $1,400
- Worldwide Gross: $1,400
💥 Love, Honour and Obey Reviews
Personal Review
Okay, so I went into this expecting a serious crime drama, and boy, was I wrong! It’s like someone threw Lock, Stock, and a karaoke night into a blender. Ray Winstone is brilliant as always, but it’s the sheer absurdity of some scenes—like the Viagra-fueled heist—that really got me. Parts were slow, sure, but it’s worth watching for a good laugh and a peek into the silly side of London’s underworld. I was not ready but I was laughing so hard.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of British gangster films with a comedic twist”
- “Viewers who appreciate dark humor and satire”
- “Those interested in films with a strong ensemble cast of British actors”
- “People who enjoy movies that don’t take themselves too seriously”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Strong language”
- “Violence”
- “Drug use”
- “Suggestive sexual content”
Professional Reviews
- Timeout London: “While the film boasts a talented cast, the improvisational style feels haphazard and ultimately undermines any potential for genuine comedic or dramatic impact. The film’s humor is hit-or-miss and fails to fully exploit the cast’s potential. A few funny moments don’t save it.
- The Guardian: “Love, Honour and Obey delivers a uniquely British take on the gangster genre. While the plot can be convoluted, the film’s charm lies in its characters and their offbeat interactions. Ray Winstone is great! See this movie if you want British humor.
Audience Reactions
The karaoke scenes were an unexpected highlight, showcasing the cast’s surprisingly good (and sometimes terrible) singing abilities.: Most viewers appreciated the film’s quirky humor and the chemistry between the cast members.
Ray Winstone’s portrayal of the gang boss was a standout, balancing menace with comedic timing.: Many found the movie entertaining, especially if you’re a fan of British humor and gangster films.
Overall Consensus: Love, Honour and Obey is a divisive film. It won’t be for everyone due to its uneven tone and bizarre humor. Still, it has a unique appeal for those who enjoy quirky British comedies with a dash of gangster flair.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film was largely improvised, with the actors given outlines for scenes rather than a strict script, allowing for more spontaneous and natural performances.”
- “Many of the characters share the first names of the actors playing them (Ray Winstone as Ray, Jude Law as Jude, Jonny Lee Miller as Jonny), adding a meta-narrative layer to the film.”
- “The filmmakers originally planned for ‘Love, Honour and Obey’ to be the second of a trilogy, however, due to the mixed reviews and box-office disappointment, the other two films were never developed.”
🖥️ How to Watch Love, Honour and Obey?
Currently, Love, Honour and Obey is not widely available on major streaming platforms like Prime Video or Netflix. However, it is often available for purchase or rental on platforms like Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check these services for current availability and pricing.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Love, Honour and Obey, you might like these similar films:
- Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels (1998): Shares a similar British crime comedy genre, with a focus on quirky characters and unexpected situations.
- Snatch (2000): Another Guy Ritchie film with a similar style of British gangster comedy, featuring a complex plot and memorable characters.
- Sexy Beast (2000): Features Ray Winstone in a more serious, but still darkly humorous, role as an ex-gangster, offering a different perspective on the criminal underworld.
- The Long Good Friday (1980): A classic British gangster film that explores the complexities of organized crime in London with a much darker, less comedic tone.
🛒 Love, Honour and Obey Related Products
- The Kray Twins: Britain’s Most Notorious Gangsters [Blu-ray]: Explore the world of Britain’s underworld with a classic gang movie. A riveting thriller.
- British Gangster DVD Collection – Lock Stock and Snatch: This action-packed thriller explores the gripping and complex stories that are taking place in British cities. This gangster movie will have you on the edge of your seat as these men try to take control of their area.
- Karaoke Microphone: Unleash your inner rockstar with this high-quality karaoke microphone, perfect for belting out tunes just like the characters in the movie. Can be used anywhere.
- Ray Winstone Signed Photo: A rare and authenthic piece of movie history. This signed photo from the star in the movie would add some elegance to your collection.
🎧 Soundtrack
Love, Honour and Obey features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Avenues and Alleyways” – performed by Performed by Jonny Lee Miller
- “Force Of Nature” – performed by Noel Gallagher
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
Love, Honour and Obey blends elements of both comedy and crime genres. It’s often described as a dark comedy or a satire of gangster films, using humor to explore the often-absurd realities of criminal life. While it contains violence, it’s not meant to be taken as a straightforward, serious depiction of the criminal underworld.
No, Love, Honour and Obey is not based on a true story. It is a fictional narrative, although it draws inspiration from the tropes and stereotypes of British gangster films. Some elements might be loosely inspired by real-life figures or events, but the overall plot and characters are products of the writers’ imagination.
The decision to have the actors share their first names with their characters was a stylistic choice by the filmmakers. It adds a layer of meta-commentary and contributes to the film’s overall satirical tone. It also blurs the lines between reality and fiction, enhancing the film’s unique and somewhat self-aware approach.
🔥 Bonus Content
Denise Van Outen – Love Honour and Obey Cucumber Scene – Oral Training
Ever wondered what kind of oral training you need for a movie scene? Check out this hilarious and slightly awkward clip from ‘Love Honour and Obey’ featuring Denise Van Outen. Honestly, it’s kind of weird but you can’t look away!
Love Honour and Obey – “Wash up babe star treks on”.m4v
Want a sneak peek at some quirky dialogue from ‘Love Honour and Obey’? This short scene is a bit random, but the line delivery is gold! You’ll be quoting ‘Wash up babe star treks on’ in no time!
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