Layer Cake
2004
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 45m
A riveting thriller set in the drug underworld of the UK.
Directed by:
Written by:
Your probable score
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Layer Cake
2004
Drama, Suspense/Thriller
1h 45m
Your probable score
Avg Percentile 55.59% from 4256 total ratings
Ratings & Reviews
(4256)
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Rated 13 Apr 2007
70
84th
This one was a total surprise for me. A good tick-tocking script if not on the edge of coldness just Like Craig's steel stare. Maybe a bit cheesy on the end. One of the best of its kind around.
Rated 13 Apr 2007
Rated 26 May 2017
75
67th
At one point the cable of my old roommate and I was messed up and we could only watch what was on our DVR for like 3 weeks until we stopped being lazy and actually called to get it fixed. The only things on our DVR was Layer Cake and the episode of It's Always Sunny where they have to win a dance competition to keep their bar. The episode was better than Layer Cake but it was still good enough to be worth a few watches in a few weeks time.
Rated 26 May 2017
Rated 24 Jan 2009
80
76th
Vaughn's debut film makes for one hell of a first impression. The movie is a lot of fun, despite its convoluted plot. Vaughn's slick visual style is a big reason for that (an opening scene at a pharmacy is a joy to watch), as is a steely but charming Daniel Craig in the role that made him an obvious choice for Bond. The script might be better off if Connolly were not adapting his own novel, as he seems reluctant to cut subplots that mess up the flow of the film. Still, lots of fun. Great ending.
Rated 24 Jan 2009
Rated 27 Mar 2019
88
58th
Threw this in after learning it was directed by Matthew Vaughn. He's a pretty talented director. He kind of feels like a less artistic Danny Boyle. That's not a bad thing though. Craig turns in a good performance in his pre-James Bond era and the supporting cast is quite good too, and there is something about angry English people yelling that makes me happy. Great music, direction, and unpredictable writing make this a well paced, very entertaining movie.
Rated 27 Mar 2019
Rated 04 Sep 2007
75
75th
A cold and exciting crime movie with an unpredictable plot that grabs your attention in every scene. A highly stylized and flashy movie accompanied by a modern and outstanding soundtrack. In this movie it's clear why they picked Daniel Craig to be the next Bond. Sometimes hilarious, sometimes a hard-boiled, ice-cold criminal.
Rated 04 Sep 2007
Rated 31 Mar 2010
93
92nd
I admit it, I love British heist movies. And this is where I gained an appreciation of Daniel Craig. (Colm Meaney is also very very good). Layer Cake is one of the best of the genre, and the name is a fitting title.
Rated 31 Mar 2010
Rated 05 Apr 2010
78
74th
Even though the second half drags in parts and the story is not super engaging, I enjoyed myself throughout. I'm just a sucker for British gangster movies, and this one sure looks pretty, oozes with cool and had some great shots. I liked how low-key it was. Some might call it dull, I was just glad not to be forced to watch another super-hip-Guy-Ritchie-copycat.
Rated 05 Apr 2010
Rated 16 May 2010
87
86th
The best work in the genre. Craig's unnamed man finds himself surrounded by maniac Guy Ritchie-style gangsters, and tries to play it all business. The strength of it lies in his steady course through the madness, watching him scramble back to the surface at the points he becomes totally submerged. Lovely cinematography, great use of a limited budget and an independent streak unafraid to get a little tangential in order to further the characters.
Rated 16 May 2010
Rated 17 May 2010
86
66th
very slick crime movie with Daniel Craig at his very best. Also great little performance by Michael Gambon.
Rated 17 May 2010
Rated 03 Aug 2010
81
58th
layer cake; a very british crime movie came at a time when my interest towards the british cinema was peaked. it satisfies the needs of the viewer to see a layered plot (hence the name) and a set of smart dialogues; standard fixtures for a crime movie. it does not do anything beyond that, it knows its limits and does a bloody good job within them. even though the plot stumbles a bit from time to time, brilliant acting and an intelligent director overwrites these simple faults.
Rated 03 Aug 2010
Rated 17 Dec 2012
78
85th
I have particular tastes in women that Sienna Miller does not fit. Not saying she isn't pretty, just isn't my type. I also feel that when a woman is smoking, she knocks herself down a good two points on a one to ten scale. That being said, when she is dancing and Daniel Craig has her boyfriend in his ear, with the two points removed, I'd say she's an eleven.
Rated 17 Dec 2012
Rated 22 Jun 2015
72
57th
While decent and solid, feels like the poor man's better movies of the genre as there's not enough to distinguish itself.
Rated 22 Jun 2015
Rated 08 Aug 2019
55
45th
a lovely tech demo, demonstrating high-quality assets capable of use in other movies. you've got some glossy color-grading for other mid-00's crime films, a familiar but not too familiar dance heavy soundtrack, and a highly posable Daniel Craig, complete with piercing blue eyes. great for secret agents! this movie is fine, but I'd have enjoyed it a lot more as a smart 14 year old or an extremely stupid adult. that's not to say you're dumb if you like it. but if you ARE dumb, it's great!
Rated 08 Aug 2019
Rated 26 Jan 2007
86
90th
Exactly the antidote required to all the la-di-dar Richie-esque bollucks seen over the last 10 years.
Rated 26 Jan 2007
Rated 23 Mar 2009
7
40th
I think the ending was an attempt at trajic irony, but it came off more like scary-movie corny.
Rated 23 Mar 2009
Rated 05 May 2009
80
64th
An unpredictable and enthralling crime thriller debut from Vaughn and starring the ravishing British actor Daniel Craig, who would later accept more serious roles eventually as James Bond. It is every bit as flashy, daunting and conventionalized as its counterparts and influences (Guy Ritchie), and the visuals are marvelous and quite immaculately elaborate. The gritty plotline is also full of an assortment of ragged corners and sharp twists. The ending is also astounding. A great film overall.
Rated 05 May 2009
Rated 03 Jul 2009
94
94th
This makes you wonder if Matthew Vaughn was the true genius behind lock stock and snatch as this film follows on in a similar style with an excellent plot filled with unpredictability to the very end and those big tunes which compliment some memorable movie sequences perfectly . Massively better than anything Guy Ritchie has produced since and Daniel Craigs impressive leading performance must have played a large part in him being chosen as James Bond.
Rated 03 Jul 2009
Rated 01 Aug 2009
69
65th
"Layer Cake" is no classic, but it is certainly engaging. Vaughn is a versatile director.
Rated 01 Aug 2009
Rated 21 Aug 2009
98
94th
I'm glad I saw this before Daniel Craig really took off. The scene where Morty starts unexpectedly beating the guy in the cafe is amazingly shot. I love how the sound changes from each camera's perspective.
Rated 21 Aug 2009
Rated 07 Oct 2009
40
17th
Bit dull, the twist might blindside you into thinking it is a smart movie, but it isn't.
Rated 07 Oct 2009
Rated 07 Dec 2009
80
86th
Great ending!
Rated 07 Dec 2009
Rated 10 Mar 2010
70
64th
Most of the British gangster movies in the wake of Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels have been either inane & flippant Tarantino wanna-bes, or grim exercises is boredom. Layer Cake is thankfully neither. Its complex plot continuously places the viewer in a situation where he must reassess (as the protagonist does) the balance of power. It's an interesting movie from scene to scene, even if the ending unsatisfactorily seems De Palma-ish.
Rated 10 Mar 2010
Rated 19 Mar 2010
80
68th
Seriously good crime thriller. All sorts of great characters, plot details and scenes.
Rated 19 Mar 2010
Rated 09 May 2010
85
70th
Love European caper movies, and this one is no exception.
Rated 09 May 2010
Rated 06 Aug 2010
70
27th
If you can follow their british accents, it provides an entertaining action movie
Rated 06 Aug 2010
Rated 13 Aug 2010
90
0th
Very clever, but the ending really bummed me out...Although it did add to the over all effect of the movie
Rated 13 Aug 2010
Rated 19 Aug 2010
98
99th
Some things go together perfectly: Mifune & Kurosawa; superheroes & art deco; raspberries & white chocolate; lamb & rosemary... Thanks to this film, I now add to that list "British crime thriller" and "trip-hop soundtrack."
Rated 19 Aug 2010
Rated 29 Aug 2010
7
57th
The film could've benefited from tighter editing, but it serves up a neat script full of intriguing twists and turns set against a stylish multi-character canvas which turned it into a moderately exciting yet engaging thriller. I had a nice time with this one and Craig is particularly good. Nice soundtrack too.
Rated 29 Aug 2010
Rated 20 Oct 2010
88
72nd
I might have liked this better if I hadn't stopped halfway and waited two months to finish it (my girlfriend didn't want to see the rest). Extremely stylish, well made movie with a great character and intricate plot well told. Almost too well told - the transitions and storytelling are so stylish they at times become distractions. Not as good as the director's next (the amazing "Kick Ass"), but worth a watch.
Rated 20 Oct 2010
Rated 25 Oct 2010
100
98th
Probably the best movie of Daniel Craig. The movie haves crazy gangsters, surprising twist, great story and good action.
Rated 25 Oct 2010
Rated 03 Feb 2011
50
69th
Had To watch it for media studies and really enjoyed it
Rated 03 Feb 2011
Rated 17 Dec 2011
70
58th
Of all the Guy Ritchie-esque British crime films, this one is worth watching, although it rarely brings anything new to the table. Instead, it is just an enjoyable visceral experience, despite the lazy and sometimes a little too "film school"y writing.
Rated 17 Dec 2011
Rated 29 Dec 2011
60
46th
Layer Cake is a confused movie, tries too hard to be a ritchie movie at first, then tries even more to differentiate itself. it's a got a plot all right, but it is convoluted, and the hyperinflation of characters gets quite confusing towards the end. Craig is good, and the film's worth watching, but lacking the humor and the zap of Ritchie, Layer Cake remains a good imitation at best.
Rated 29 Dec 2011
Rated 30 Jan 2012
75
77th
7+ highly recommended
Rated 30 Jan 2012
Rated 09 Apr 2012
75
77th
Daniel Craig is excellent in this role that I'm sure landed him the Bond gig. I can dig pretty much any British gangster flick, and this one is no exception. The script tries a little too hard at times, but overall hits its mark.
Rated 09 Apr 2012
Rated 02 Jun 2012
70
72nd
Nice British crime thriller that's more grounded than the Shane Ritchie-style ironically-hip "cockney capers" gangster movies. Craig is perfect for the leading role, backed by strong performances from Meaney and Gambon. It's somewhat darker in tone than many similar movies, with a rich vein of black humour. Well worth the time.
Rated 02 Jun 2012
Rated 06 Jul 2012
50
41st
It's all a bit too contrived, but still enjoyable nonetheless.
Rated 06 Jul 2012
Rated 09 Jul 2012
80
67th
Very Gut Ritchie-like, with a strong performance by Daniel Craig. This movie moves along at a good pace, with some interesting twists and turns along the way. Also; the ending is abrupt and awesome. Some of the musical choices didn't work for me though. Stylish and fun, watch it.
Rated 09 Jul 2012
Rated 01 Dec 2012
71
59th
Probably my least favourite of Vaughn's films, but still pretty good. It's not quite up there with similar films like "Snatch" (minus the comedy), and the plot does get a bit convoluted at times but there's plenty to entertain the viewer. The performances are solid, the plot is surprisingly well thought-out for the crime genre and the soundtrack is excellent. Vaughn may not be one of the great modern talents, but he's yet to put out a bad (or lacklustre,) film.
Rated 01 Dec 2012
Rated 15 Oct 2014
8
76th
Layer Cake is one of my favourite British crime dramas and it's a strong Directorial debut from Matthew Vaughn. It oozes style and visually it likens Guy Ritchie's 'Lock, Stock' & 'Snatch'. The screenplay, cinematography, editing, soundtrack, characters and plot are all great and the stellar cast is one of my favourites and is full of superb performances. Harris, Gambon, Whishaw, Miller, Meaney, Foreman and Gorman are all fantastic but it's an incredibly cool Daniel Craig that steals the show.
Rated 15 Oct 2014
Rated 21 Feb 2015
75
87th
Manage to feel original (even though everything is familiar Guy Ritchie territory) thanks to a good cast and a formidable drive.
Rated 21 Feb 2015
Rated 04 Oct 2015
87
75th
Ah, good old British movie. Stay at it, lads.
Rated 04 Oct 2015
Rated 14 Jan 2016
80
59th
lighthearted & cool british gangster film, I wish there was more of that sort. lots of great actors on board, and well ... nice ending!
Rated 14 Jan 2016
Rated 15 Jun 2016
93
88th
One of the best movies that few people have heard of. Daniel Craig, before he became Bond (partly thanks to a scene from this film, that alone should make you want to see it) as an upper level drug connect. What really makes the film worth watching though is simply the beauty of the story, as layer upon layer is revealed, all leading to a jarring and unexpected ending that wraps up the movie in a stunning way and delivers a strong message that resonates with the viewer.
Rated 15 Jun 2016
Rated 23 Nov 2016
85
40th
A superb tale with interesting characters. This thriller has fullfills though i think it is 20 minutes too long. One of the best British gangster films ever.
Rated 23 Nov 2016
Rated 01 Feb 2017
80
89th
Stylish and interesting. Insightful narration.
Rated 01 Feb 2017
Rated 05 Aug 2017
80
88th
Excellent direction, cool performances by most of the cast and an unexpected ending make for one very entertaining caper.
Rated 05 Aug 2017
Rated 21 Dec 2006
78
85th
A too-hip british crime caper, but it gets the job done. Slightly less convoluted than Snatch, but with better internal logic. Great fun.
Rated 21 Dec 2006
Rated 22 Feb 2007
70
82nd
Quality.
Rated 22 Feb 2007
Rated 06 Mar 2007
75
40th
Although there are scenes that seem a bit superflous and somehwhat difficult to follow, this film is well written and equally as well delivered by its actors.
Rated 06 Mar 2007
Rated 25 Mar 2007
60
25th
Not really that great... kind of dissapointing really.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
Rated 25 Mar 2007
79
74th
This is the first film I watched where I recognized Daniel Craig. He makes the film riveting. He has that ability.
Rated 25 Mar 2007
Rated 05 Apr 2007
60
15th
Boring gangster film. Daniel Craig auditioning for James Bond.
Rated 05 Apr 2007
Rated 26 Apr 2007
78
50th
Nasty, brutish, and...well not all that short. But good.
Rated 26 Apr 2007
Rated 04 Aug 2007
93
98th
One of the greatest if not THE greatest British crime flicks ever.
Rated 04 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
88
89th
Daniel Craig should hit the scene after his superb performance in this crime thriller.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
74
49th
overrated.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
83
40th
An OK crime flick that isn't nearly as satisfying as the movies it steals from.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
75
50th
A smart gangster thriller.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 14 Aug 2007
7
84th
A taut little crime thriller that shows the coolness of Daniel Craig that would eventually lead to his casting as James Bond.
Rated 14 Aug 2007
Rated 24 Aug 2007
51
23rd
I just couldn't get into this one. I might give it another try again.
Rated 24 Aug 2007
Rated 22 Sep 2007
85
91st
Brilliant, a great introduction to the present James Bond.
Rated 22 Sep 2007
Rated 22 Nov 2007
50
30th
Not very interesting.
Rated 22 Nov 2007
Rated 26 Jan 2008
70
58th
Fast action, nice plot, good casting, good movie!
Rated 26 Jan 2008
Rated 02 Feb 2008
30
9th
I don't like the English nor their crime movies. But don't let such pithy criticisms get in the way of you watching this great piece of family entertainment!
Rated 02 Feb 2008
Rated 03 Feb 2008
93
96th
Another one of my favorite movies.
The acting , the music , the shots and the story all where perfect and mached to getter as a charm.
Unpredicatble plot that grabs you from start to finish.
One of the best gangster movies. And you can see why they picked Craig as Bond.
Rated 03 Feb 2008
Rated 25 Feb 2008
24
5th
I absolutely could not get through this. What the hell was this supposed to be?
Rated 25 Feb 2008
Rated 05 Apr 2008
65
45th
a little off on the ending if you ask me... but a great thrill ride all the way threw
Rated 05 Apr 2008
Rated 09 May 2008
83
79th
Fast paced and intense neo-noir. Craig's performance is fantastic and it was this film that made me completely confident of the success of Casino Royale after I heard he was going to be the new James Bond.
Rated 09 May 2008
Rated 17 Jun 2008
80
69th
I suppose Craig earned his Bond contract with this role and Gambon isn't much worse. A witty and entertaining movie.
Rated 17 Jun 2008
Rated 21 Jun 2008
91
76th
A gripping drug drama that will have you rooting for Daniel Craig's character the whole way through. A GREAT primer to Daniel Craig before you see Casino Royale (with Craig as Bond).
Rated 21 Jun 2008
Rated 02 Dec 2008
80
78th
Thick British accents and complicated plot. If you can get past that it's really good.
Rated 02 Dec 2008
Rated 17 Jan 2009
89
88th
Superb gangster flick.
Rated 17 Jan 2009
Rated 18 Jan 2009
93
68th
awesome coolness. Better than most of the Ritchie's movie. Also - the ending is very strong ;)
Rated 18 Jan 2009
Rated 26 Jan 2009
70
54th
Daniel Craig should stay with these kinds of movies..
Rated 26 Jan 2009
Rated 07 Feb 2009
58
40th
Kind of obvious and drawn out, but had some okay things in it.
Rated 07 Feb 2009
Rated 02 Mar 2009
20
44th
Vaughn, producer of _Snatch_ and _Lock, Stock, and Two Smoking Barrels_, tries his own hand at directing one of these tough and tricksy British crime thrillers: a brutal cutie. Well played by Craig, Meaney, Harris, Cranham, Foreman, Hawkins, Gambon, among others, but the difficulty of following the plot is a real obstacle to enjoyment.
Rated 02 Mar 2009
Rated 12 Mar 2009
90
84th
Daniel Craig should make more movies like this as a character role with some action than the other way round.
Rated 12 Mar 2009
Rated 20 Apr 2009
86
51st
entertaining entry in the British gangster genre. recommended.
Rated 20 Apr 2009
Rated 28 Apr 2009
79
47th
Good thriller in the vein of Snatch even if it doesn't live up to that.
Rated 28 Apr 2009
Rated 26 May 2009
70
69th
Good. 007 plays a London drug dealer with a bit too much on his plate. This is a rather pleasent deviation from the usual UK Guy Ritchie crap. Its been beautifully shot and keeps you guessing till the end. Recommended for a rental.
Rated 26 May 2009
Rated 31 May 2009
75
22nd
Stylisitic. English. Very Stupid plot. English Bubblegum.
Rated 31 May 2009
Rated 12 Jun 2009
60
39th
It's tough to retire from the drug racket.
Rated 12 Jun 2009
Rated 30 Jun 2009
55
42nd
Overall Enjoyment: 25/40, Plot/Themes: 10/20, Cinematography/Direction: 10/20, Acting/Writing: 10/20
Rated 30 Jun 2009
Rated 06 Jul 2009
60
30th
Fairly boring for "crime thriller". Daniel Craig is good in this behind the scenes look at the international drug dealing business, but the movie is paced slow and not really entertaining.
Rated 06 Jul 2009
Rated 22 Jul 2009
65
41st
Run of the mill british gangsters going at it.
Rated 22 Jul 2009
Rated 19 Aug 2009
85
63rd
Worth it.
Rated 19 Aug 2009
Rated 03 Oct 2009
70
71st
So many layers to this cake
Rated 03 Oct 2009
Rated 17 Oct 2009
60
25th
cool framing, otherwise rando music, angles, hard to hear, too confusing, weird pacing, didn't hit me at the end like it meant to
Rated 17 Oct 2009
Rated 01 Nov 2009
75
65th
This one surprised me. A classy crime flick with some good if not outstanding performances from Craig and Meany. The plot twists and turns but it was the ending that really had me nodding with approval. Also, I can't remember a more convincing performance of chav scum before!
Rated 01 Nov 2009
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