When it comes to classic gangster flicks, the first thing that tends to come to mind is the bootlegging scene of the 1920's US, Italian family business on both sides of the Atlantic, culminating with Chicago based Al Capone at its peak. Talking about peaks, there is another series depicting an organized crime group of that same era, from a completely unsuspecting background: Birmingham, England between the world wars. This fact by itself should make the show worth watching, but on top of that I found it to be quite exciting and entertaining. The series is titled Peaky Blinders, which appeared first on the BBC in 2013. So far five seasons have been released, with a sixth one on the way.
Debated Historical Accuracy
The series follows the life and times of the notorious gang Peaky Blinders, based on an actual group who were active in Birmingham in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Instead of well connected Italians, this group came from an "Irish Traveler" background, also referred to as "Gypsies", even though they are not related to the Romani people, they just share many similarities. The name refers to alleged razor blades gang members carries in the peaks of their flat caps, as a handy hidden weappon. The group started out as a street gang of desperate youth, with pick-pocketing and robberies, but soon advanced into racketeering, gambling, bookmaking, etc. And that's pretty much where the similarities with the fictional interpretation of the gang in the TV-show end.
Never minding the historical gang, the viewer is treated to a fascinating insight into the 1920's working-class life of an English industrial town. It portrays both extreme poverty, as well as the increasingly lavish lifestyle of the gang family, as they become more and more successful in the progression of the story. Along with experiencing the family's gang activity, the historical events of the times don't get ignored: Irish independence is on its brink, with considerable activity of both the IRA and the countering forces of the British empire. Also, the situation of the working class gives rise to communist and socialist movements, which at least touches on the life of the organized crime family.
What I particularly enjoyed is how the show incorporates historical figures, such as a young Winston Churchill sent to Birmingham to establish order. Later in the show we also get to see communist leader Jessie Eden, and fascist agitator Oswald Mosley. In fact, at some point there is also a brief encounter with the Italian mafia, and there is mention of "a certain crime boss in Chicago". Though the depiction of each of these characters has been criticized for its inaccuracy, I personally didn't find a problem with seeing Churchill as the Home Secretary instead of Secretary of Munitions, the office he actually held at that time.
Engaging Story Line and a Prominent Fan Base
Okay, so if you're a historical purist, this show may not be the one for you. However, the way the story is told, from the perspective of the numerous members of the family, has found great acclaim, not only by the general viewership, but by such famous names as Snoop Dogg (good to know it got gangsta approval), Leonard Cohen, and David Bowie, both of whom contributed to the show's music.
So if you're looking for a suspenseful, fast-paced gangster series, set in an untypical place and time, you should give Peaky Blinders a try. However, if you don't like waiting around for the ending, I would suggest you wait for the sixth season to be released, hopefully next year. They say it will be the final one. But for now, take a look at the first season's trailer:
Take a Look at the Previous Posts in my Binge On This Series:
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Chernobyl: An Apocalyptic Documentary
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Twin Peaks: The Show That Changed Everything
The Man In the High Castle: What if the Nazis Had Won?
Lost: Mystery With Addictive Potential
Babylon Berlin: Sociopolitical Tremmors in the Weimar Republic
Rome: A Realistic Sandal Series
Carnivàle: A Throw-back to the Thirties
Weeds: The Hillarious Alternative to Breaking Bad
Mr. Robot: Hackers, Freedom, and Mental Issues
Das Boot: A Real German WWII Series
Black Sails: Pirate Lore Galore
Twelve Monkeys: Time Travel and Pandemic
The DocsMX 2020 Film Festival