In 1998, writer-director Guy Ritchie brought us his first full length feature film, the black-comedy Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels.
The London gangster movie follows Eddy (Nick Moran), as he convinces three friends to take part in a card game against East End crime boss Hatchet Harry (PH Moriarty). Things take a disastrous turn when the four end up owing Hatchet £500,000 and find themselves incredibly out of their depth.
The movie includes even more firsts, as this was Jason Statham’s acting debut. It turns out he met Ritchie when modelling for French Connection and was brought on to star as the con-artist, Bacon. Statham has gone on to be in a total of five Guy Ritchie films over the years, including the renowned Snatch.
The film excelled in awards season, winning the 1999 BAFTA Audience Award, the 1998 British Comedy Award for the Best Comedy Film, and the 1998 British Independent Film Award for the Film Making the Resources Within a Limited Budget.
Ritchie won the 1999 Evening Standard British Film Award for the Most Promising Newcomer, and 1999 MTV Movie + TV Award for the Best New Filmmaker. The list goes on with many more accolades, nominations and awards globally.
Lock, Stock & Two Smoking Barrels is now streaming on Amazon Prime.
