The dramatic crime series Sharp Peaks was launched on the BBC channel in 2013, and gathered a very impressive audience of 2.4 million viewers for the final episode of the season. The storyline with a claim to historical authenticity and the talented Stephen Knight in the director's chair is already half the success. However, one should not lose sight of the fact that world-famous actors play in the series Sharp Peaks, making their characters vivid, colorful and sometimes ambiguous.
In the photo presented above, you can see the director (second from right) and the leading actors of the second season.
The historical basis of the series
In a conversation about the history of the creation of the gangster saga, S. Knight says that he took as a basis the real events that took place in Birmingham in the first half of the 20th century. The prototype of the Shelby family was a youth gang that hunted in the late 19th century. According to urban legends, they got their name because of the blades sewn into the visor. A more prosaic version, meanwhile, suggests that this is due to their overall clothing style. In those days, a cap with a sharp visor was very popular.
Meanwhile, many historians believe that sharp peaks (the actors and roles of the series will be named later) and similar formations have become the progenitors of modern subcultures. They had their own code of honor and behavior, clothing style, spent time in certain pubs and, in principle, were not like ordinary thugs, absolutely intelligent looking gentlemen.
The protagonists of the series had their prototypes, members of the infamous gang: Harry Fowler, Ernest Baileys, Stephen Mackey Hickey and Thomas Gilbert. Archival materials were published before the premiere.
The plot of the series
The first thing that the audience will note is the appearance of the English Birmingham after the First World War. Massive poverty and poverty, powerlessness and corruption of the police - all this led to a surge in crime. At the beginning of the 20th century, military factories were actively being built in the city, which made weapons accessible to gangsters and gangs. It is with the story of the abduction from the warehouse of a large party that the series “Sharp Peaks” begins, the actors of which are brilliantly selected.
One of the city’s most powerful gangs is the Shelby family. The brothers have just returned from the war and are taking the reins of family business from Aunt Polly. At the head, as it may seem, is the oldest Arthur, but in fact all affairs are led by his middle brother Thomas. He is trying with all his might to transfer the business into a legal channel. The situation is complicated by the new chief of police and his agent, who is housed in a pub disguised as a bartender.
Shelby family
The gang of sharp peaks is numerous, but the Shelby family, consisting of 4 blood brothers and a sister, as well as Aunt Polly, who led the business while the men were at war, occupy a leading position. The oldest is Arthur. He positions himself as a leader, has a hot temper. His role was played by British actor Paul Anderson. However, in spirit and strength he is superior to his middle brother - Thomas. It is he who takes the reins of government in his hands. The war radically changed his outlook on life and made him forget about simple human joys. His life changes dramatically with the advent of the barmaid - the Irish Grace, who also works for the police captain. The role was played by Killian Murphy, known for the films “Beginning”, “The Dark Knight: The Revival of the Legend”, etc.
The Irishman with piercing blue eyes became the star of the series "Sharp Visors." Actors (season 1) are selected in the best way, so the viewer does not even have doubts that there is one big family on the screen, albeit a gangster one. In addition, there are two younger brothers - John and Finn, their roles were played by Joe Cole and Alfie Evans. Ada Shelby (sister) is a character who gradually leaves the family, opposing her ideology and order. She and her son are trying to lead a secluded lifestyle away from Birmingham and the brothers. Her role was played by the novice English actress Sophie Rundle, familiar to the viewer from the film "Great Expectations."
Aunt polly
If we talk about the gangster saga "Sharp Peaks", whose actors themselves are like one family, then this character is worth noting a separate paragraph. Shelby's godmother is Polly Gray. She is like a guard standing behind their backs, supporting in everything and helping as much as she can. A strong and desperate woman who once lost her children. However, she will be able to return the 18-year-old son to the bosom of the family, only if she wants for him the same fate as that of her nephews, remains the question of the third season of the series. The story of the development of her character on the screen - personal life, children and possible love - will fit perfectly for a separate storyline. The role of Polly was performed by the famous British film and theater actress Helen McCrory. It is known to a wide audience as Narcissa Malfoy from the Harry Potter saga.
Guest stars
What the Sharp Visors series can be proud of is actors, among whom there are promising newcomers and real stars. The participation of Tom Hardy in the second season not only increased the rating of the project, but also significantly increased the audience. The Hollywood actor, meanwhile, has already worked with C. Murphy in the movie K. Nolan. Hardy got a very colorful and vibrant character Alfie Solomons - the leader of the Jewish gangsters in London. A little strange and gloomy big guy with a bad reputation and a cruel disposition.
The role of another well-known criminal authority in London in the 1920s, Darby Sabini, is played by Noah Taylor. The elegantly dressed and vicious leader of the Italian gang is a real character. The actor is familiar to viewers from episodic roles and the series “Game of Thrones” (Lord Lock).
The series "Peaks": the cast of 3 seasons
In November 2014, the leadership of the series announced its extension, which, of course, was the most pleasant news for the audience. Filming began on October 5, 2015. The new season was replenished with new characters, and, accordingly, actors. Of course, in the center of the plot, the Shelby family is still in full force. The pilot episode will immediately transfer to Thomas's wedding, but with whom, you have to guess for now. The actor himself says in an interview that he is excited about the start of filming and the subsequent premiere. According to him, the third season will be the brightest and best of all that was shot before.
In the role of refugees and victims of international conflict, one can see our compatriot Dina Korzun and Yana Beivut. Tom Hardy will not leave the project either, which is also pleasing.
The film crew, plot and actors of the series "Sharp Visors" make it perhaps the best television project. A magnificent script, historical authenticity of the situation and landscapes of England of the 20s of the last century, vivid characters - all this is an occasion to spend an evening watching the first two seasons. The viewer himself does not notice how he plunges into the damp and foggy Birmingham.