Peaky Blinders (2013)

The critic finds the series magnificent and a beautiful, engrossing story of demobbed squaddies in postwar Birmingham, shot with passion, style, rough humour and much rain. Cillian Murphy and Sam Neill deliver standout performances in this stylish drama.

The critic calls Peaky Blinders a classy crime saga with a killer soundtrack and rare accents, blending violence, sadness and cinematic panache. At its core it explores grief, love and family as both allies and enemies, with Cillian Murphy's Tommy Shelby as one of the great screen gangsters.

The critic praises the series as a strong, stylish debut that rehabilitates the Brummie accent and delivers a menacing, high-quality gangster drama set in post-WWI Birmingham. The lavish sets, strong cast including Cillian Murphy and Helen McCrory, and overall execution stand out as highlights.

The glossy production values and deft weaving of period context are praised, but the unrelenting gloom and lack of endearing qualities in the central character make it hard to care about the anti-hero or invest in the story.

The series is a handsome but hollow British import that feels like a wan wannabe gangster drama despite its meticulous period trappings and strong cast. It offers an interesting window into post-WWI Birmingham but lacks connection to the characters and relies on heavy-handed flourishes.

The series is a stylish, intelligent and exhilarating British period drama that builds a meticulously detailed world full of compelling characters. It stands out for its strong performances, especially Cillian Murphy's restrained lead turn and Sam Neill's powerful antagonist, along with striking visuals and an anachronistic soundtrack.

The critic praises Peaky Blinders as a stylish, over-the-top, and absurdly fun ride of a television show that delivers exactly what viewers want. They highlight the strong performances, particularly Cillian Murphy as Tommy Shelby, and the show's crowd-pleasing nature despite its cheesiness.

The opening episode delivers an exhilarating and gritty take on post-WWI Birmingham gang life that rises above typical period dramas with its sharp pacing and strong character work. Cillian Murphy's restrained, magnetic performance as the anti-hero Tommy Shelby is singled out as a highlight.