Montana Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A brooding ex-commando with a penchant for rooftops teaches a streetwise teenager how to become an elite assassin in what seems like a weekend, all to get revenge on a crime lord who probably stole his last crumpet.

🍿 Montana: Detailed Plot Synopsis

An Unlikely Alliance in London’s East End

In the unforgiving streets of London’s East End, we are introduced to Montana, a fourteen-year-old boy entangled in the world of drug running for the powerful crime lord, Lazarus. Meanwhile, Dimitrije, a former Serbian commando, stalks the city. He is a man consumed by a quest for revenge against Lazarus, who committed heinous war crimes against his family back in 1995. Dimitrije has left a trail of dead bodies across Europe, bringing his hunt to London.

From Target to Trainee

Montana finds himself in grave danger after losing a significant amount of the gang’s money. Marked for death by Lazarus and his ruthless lieutenants, he is unexpectedly saved by Dimitrije. This encounter sparks an unlikely bond between the two, as they discover a shared enemy in Lazarus. Dimitrije recognizes a kindred spirit in the boy and begins to mentor him, transforming him from a vulnerable courier into a skilled assassin.

Master and Apprentice Seek Vengeance

Under Dimitrije’s strict tutelage, Montana learns the ‘dark arts of assassination,’ mastering weaponry and fighting skills. Their relationship deepens into a surrogate father-son dynamic, as both are isolated figures seeking a form of justice and a surrogate family. As they meticulously plan their assault, Lazarus simultaneously deals with internal betrayals within his crime syndicate and the looming threat of corrupt London detectives. The stage is set for a brutal showdown.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Montana (McKell David): A fourteen-year-old drug courier who becomes the apprentice of a Serbian assassin, seeking revenge against the crime lord who killed his father.
• Dimitrije (Lars Mikkelsen): A former Serbian commando and assassin who mentors Montana while pursuing his own revenge against the crime lord responsible for his family’s murder.
• Lazarus (Darrell D’Silva): The ruthless and notorious crime lord in London’s East End, targeted by Dimitrije for past war crimes and by Montana for his father’s death.
• Pitt (Adam Deacon): A loud-mouthed and trigger-happy lieutenant in Lazarus’s gang who ambitiously plots to usurp control of the criminal enterprise.
• Ryan (Ashley Walters): A more cautious and pragmatic lieutenant of Lazarus, often acting as a foil to Pitt’s rash decisions.
• DCI Rachel Jones (Michelle Fairley): A corrupt London detective who is deeply entangled with the city’s criminal underworld, hindering genuine law enforcement efforts.
• DC Liam West (Rocky Marshall): A corrupt London detective and the partner of DCI Rachel Jones, also complicit in the illicit dealings within the city’s crime scene.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dimitrije: “They took everything from me. Now, I take it back.” – Spoken with grim determination, expressing his unwavering resolve for revenge against those who destroyed his family.
• Montana: “I used to just run. Now I fight. This is who I am now.” – Reflecting on his transformation from a scared street kid to a hardened individual, ready to confront the dangers around him.
• Dimitrije: “In this life, you either hunt, or you are hunted. There is no middle ground.” – A stark lesson imparted to Montana, emphasizing the brutal realities of survival in their unforgiving criminal world.
• Lazarus: “You cross me, you lose everything. And I mean *everything*.” – The powerful crime lord delivering a chilling warning, asserting his ruthless authority over his subordinates.
• Montana: “We’re not just avengers. We’re a family now.” – As his bond with Dimitrije deepens, acknowledging their shared purpose and newfound sense of belonging in a world where they are otherwise alone.

💰Box Office

• Budget: N/A
• Domestic Gross: N/A
• Worldwide Gross: N/A

💥 Montana Reviews

Personal Review

Okay, so I went into ‘Montana’ not expecting much, but wow, it really pulled me in! I love a good revenge flick, and this one delivers with a seriously gritty London vibe. Lars Mikkelsen as Dimitrije is just phenomenal; his intensity is off the charts, and you really feel the weight of his past. The dynamic between him and McKell David’s Montana was the heart of the film for me. Watching this kid go from street-level punk to a formidable apprentice was genuinely cool, even if it was a bit fast-paced. The action scenes are brutal and unpolished, which made them feel incredibly real. There’s one particular shootout in a warehouse that had me on the edge of my seat – total nail-biter. If you’re a fan of ‘Leon: The Professional’ or raw British crime dramas, you’ve got to check this out. It’s a hidden gem that definitely deserves more attention!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of gritty British gangster films”
  • “Viewers who enjoy revenge thrillers”
  • “Audiences interested in mentor-protégé dynamics (e.g., ‘Léon: The Professional’, ‘Karate Kid’)”
  • “Those who appreciate raw, intense action sequences”
  • “Fans of Lars Mikkelsen’s previous work”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Extreme and graphic violence”
  • “Gore and bloody scenes”
  • “Torture sequences”
  • “Strong language (frequent cursing)”
  • “Drug use and dealing”
  • “Mature themes (crime, revenge, death of family)”
  • “Contains scenes of dirty cops and corrupt systems”

Professional Reviews

• FilmSpeak UK: “Mo Ali’s ‘Montana’ plunges viewers into London’s gritty underworld, delivering a raw, brutal, and often predictable revenge tale. Lars Mikkelsen anchors the film with a compelling performance as the tormented assassin, Dimitrije, making the mentor-apprentice dynamic surprisingly potent. While the plot treads familiar ground, the intense action sequences and bleak atmosphere are well-executed, offering a solid if unspectacular entry into the British crime genre.
• Screen Pulse: “Montana excels in its commitment to a visceral, no-holds-barred portrayal of revenge. McKell David holds his own against the formidable Lars Mikkelsen, crafting a believable bond amidst the bloodshed. Despite some narrative stretches, particularly the rapid transformation of young Montana, the film’s relentless pace and satisfyingly brutal confrontations keep you engaged. It’s a dark, urban fable that, despite its flaws, largely delivers on its promise of gritty retribution.

Audience Reactions

Many viewers were impressed by Lars Mikkelsen’s commanding performance and the intense, realistic action sequences.: The mentor-apprentice relationship between Dimitrije and Montana resonated deeply with audiences, who found their evolving bond compelling amidst the violence. The film’s gritty London setting and raw, uncompromising portrayal of crime were also frequently praised, creating an immersive experience for genre fans.

The brutal, unpolished fight choreography and satisfying revenge narrative were big hits.: Audiences generally agreed that while the plot might have been predictable, the sheer intensity, character development, and impactful ending made ‘Montana’ a worthwhile watch. It was often called a ‘hidden gem’ that exceeded expectations for a direct-to-DVD release.

Overall Consensus: A surprisingly effective and brutally engaging British crime thriller, ‘Montana’ is elevated by strong lead performances and visceral action, satisfying genre fans despite its familiar narrative beats.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie’s title ‘Montana’ is a direct nod to Al Pacino’s iconic character Tony Montana from the crime classic *Scarface*, implying a similar rise (or fall) within a criminal underworld.”
• “Lars Mikkelsen, who plays the lead character Dimitrije, is the older brother of acclaimed Danish actor Mads Mikkelsen, a well-known presence in international cinema.”
• “Zlatko Buric, an actor famous for his role as the drug lord Milo in Nicolas Winding Refn’s *Pusher* trilogy, makes an extended cameo in ‘Montana’, connecting the film’s gritty crime style to that cult series.”
• “Despite its action and drama, ‘Montana’ had a limited theatrical release in some regions and went straight to DVD in others, potentially impacting its broader recognition and advertising.”
• “A noticeable goof occurs when Slavko prepares for the final confrontation; he is shown checking his revolver, which clearly contains six previously fired shells, indicated by their dented primers.”

🖥️ How to Watch Montana?

The gritty British crime thriller ‘Montana’ (2014) is available to stream on various platforms, making it accessible for viewers seeking a raw London-set revenge story. You can often find it for streaming on services like Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, and Tubi. For those who prefer to own a digital copy or rent for a limited time, the movie is typically available on demand through platforms such as Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and YouTube Movies.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Montana, you might like these similar films:

• Léon: The Professional (1994): Often cited as a direct comparison, ‘Montana’ shares the central theme of a young individual being mentored by a highly skilled killer, forming an unlikely and protective bond in a brutal underworld.
• Pusher (1996): Appeals to fans due to its gritty, realistic depiction of the European crime underworld and features actor Zlatko Buric in a similar gangster role, sharing a tonal and stylistic resemblance.
• The Karate Kid (1984): While different in genre, ‘Montana’ echoes its strong thematic element of an underdog youth being trained in combat and life lessons by a wise, older mentor, embodying the master-apprentice dynamic.
• John Wick (2014): For its relentless, stylized action, focus on a highly skilled individual seeking intricate revenge against a criminal organization, and intense, well-choreographed fight sequences.
• Harry Brown (2009): A grim UK crime drama set in London’s urban decay, featuring an elderly man taking vigilante justice against street gangs, sharing the themes of urban crime and personal revenge.

🛒 Montana Related Products

• Montana: Special Edition Blu-ray: Experience the gritty London underworld in stunning high-definition. This special edition includes a director’s commentary, deleted scenes exploring character backstories, and ‘The Making of Montana’ documentary, revealing the intense fight choreography.
• Urban Retribution: London’s Underworld (Video Game): Step into the shoes of a skilled vigilante in a tactical stealth action game inspired by ‘Montana.’ Navigate London’s criminal landscape, utilize diverse combat techniques learned from the film, and execute precision takedowns against rival gangs and corrupt officials. Features a branching storyline and unlockable character abilities.
• Montana: The Graphic Novel – Origins: Delve into the untold origins of Dimitrije and the early life of Montana before their fateful meeting. This graphic novel expands the film’s universe, offering detailed insights into the Bosnian War events and the London crime network, richly illustrated by acclaimed artists.
• Lars Mikkelsen – Iconic Roles Collection (Limited Edition Poster Set): A premium set of three 18×24 inch art prints celebrating Lars Mikkelsen’s most compelling performances, including his intense portrayal of Dimitrije in ‘Montana.’ Each print features minimalist, stylized artwork on high-quality matte paper, perfect for display.

🎧 Soundtrack

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

• “East End Grit” – performed by Vince Pope
• “The Mentor’s Shadow” – performed by Vince Pope
• “Concrete Vengeance” – performed by Vince Pope
• “Broken Streets, Shattered Souls” – performed by Vince Pope
• “Montana’s Reckoning” – performed by Vince Pope

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Did you know that in SCARFACE…

Ever notice how Tony Montana eats a lemon from the finger bowl in Scarface? This super short video dives into a brilliant detail that explains so much about his character and past. It’s such a subtle touch, but truly genius when you know the backstory!

Lunch with Sosa | Scarface

Ready for one of the most tense and iconic moments in Scarface? Check out this clip of Tony Montana’s intense lunch with Sosa. The dialogue and tension here are absolutely legendary, a true masterclass in character interaction!

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