Mona Lisa

Composite Score: 86.43

Starring: Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Michael Caine, Robbie Coltrane, Clarke Peters, Kate Hardie, Zoë Nathenson, and Sammi Davis

Director: Neil Jordan

Writers: Neil Jordan and David Leland

Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance, Mystery

MPAA Rating: R

Box Office: $5.79 million worldwide

My take on Watching This Film:

                Mona Lisa is Neil Jordan’s film about an ex-convict who takes a job in London after his release as a driver and bodyguard for a high-class call-girl who is connected to his boss. As he spends time with Simone (Cathy Tyson), George (Bob Hoskins) finds himself taken by her and seeks to help her rescue one of her friends, Cathy (Kate Hardie), from their old abusive pimp. For his performance, Hoskins received an Oscar nomination, a BAFTA win, and Golden Globe win for Best Lead Actor. The film has been celebrated for its blend of sincerity and crime, highlighting it as one of the better examples of grounded neo-noir films.

                Somehow, the film manages to walk that fine line between gritty realism and genuine heart that so many films seek but few can find. This one finds that groove, though, and walks in it well. Though taking on the difficult subjects of prostitution, organized crime, and abuse, both physical and sexual, the film never loses sight of the humanity of its subjects and keeps the focus on the relationships, rather than on the actions. It could be this heavy takedown of the world of prostitution and the men who proliferate it, and while it does make sure to condemn the men who use it to exploit women, it shifts the focus onto the women involved, celebrating their victories as they climb out of the abusive situations where they have found themselves. It’s never shy in presenting the realities of its story, but those realities become palatable because we aren’t dwelling unnecessarily on hardship and trauma, and instead framing the struggles as obstacles that can be overcome when people actually take the time to care. Hoskins is the perfect lead for this type of story because he can play both gruff and caring in equal parts, endearing you to his character and those he interacts with without ever feeling saccharine or overdone. Cathy Tyson is also fantastic in her leading role, playing this mysterious femme fatale with all the allure, mystery, and vulnerability of the greatest ladies of the 1940s. The support lent by Michael Caine as the sleazy villain and Robbie Coltrane as George’s well-meaning mechanic friend only adds to the world of the story, driving it toward its thrilling conclusion.

                With Bob Hoskins taking the lead, Mona Lisa offers the best that neo-noir has to offer with a strong femme fatale and an exploration of the darkness of the human condition without ever losing sight of the humans and relationships at its center. It feels like a hidden gem of a film except that it has earned a spot on this list, so I guess some people knew about it already. Currently, you can stream this film on Max or the Criterion Channel if you’d like to check it out.