Layer Cake
User Score
7.8 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 58 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 58
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 58
  3. Negative: 2 out of 58

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  1. fiona
    May 11, 2005
    9
    I found this to be a real gem, especially in the wake of the too-many-to-mention below par british gangster film flops we have been subjected to in this post-Lock Stock world we live in. Layer Cake is smart, stylish, sexy, witty, meticulously acted and intelligently directed. Daniel Craig excels, and more than proves his ability to hold a whole film together in a more mainstream production.
  2. yoluv.
    Oct 16, 2005
    9
    Excellent in it's complexity.
  3. JohnC.
    Jun 5, 2005
    9
    Stunning. Tough to follow. Cinematography is a joy to watch.
  4. johnp.
    Jun 9, 2005
    9
    Well acted. well shot. well writen. great directing. hard to follow at times with all the characters but still an amazing british crime thriller.
  5. AdamC.
    Feb 4, 2008
    10
    too good
  6. EdK.
    Jun 21, 2005
    9
    Layer Cake is, to me, the perfect movie: the characters are genuine and well acted; the plot is original; and there's some great action and cinematography. You have to listen carefully (at least I did) to the actors due to their accents, but the lead character is excellently portrayed. You can truly imagine him as a real guy just trying to eke out a reasonable living in a dangerous, unpredictable business. This is one I'll probably buy on DVD.… Expand
  7. [Anonymous]
    Jun 4, 2005
    10
    Best movie of 2005 as of June 1st. Exceptional acting combined with a smart, side-winding story that creates a fully engrossing film.
  8. JackT.
    Feb 19, 2008
    10
    The Greatest Gangster Thriller I have Ever Seen
  9. WesM
    Jul 28, 2008
    10
    The ultimate synthesis of recent British crime classis; the seriousness, characterization and aesthetics of Sexy Beast and the loopy, multilayered plotting and style of Lock Stock... and Snatch. Very highly recommended.
  10. KishoreK.
    May 25, 2005
    10
    Its a classic gangster thriller. Film holds your the attention and makes you think while watching and after it.
  11. FabienL.
    Nov 28, 2005
    9
    All is good in this movie: great cast, great story, great tempo, perfect tempo: from start to finish. A movie you can see again and again.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
73 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 30 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 24 out of 30
  2. Mixed: 6 out of 30
  3. Negative: 0 out of 30
  1. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Chris Barsanti
    70
    The writing is crisp and deeply layered, and the filmmakers gave themselves a rich array of actors to work with.
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  2. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Ray Bennett
    80
    Smartly put together, with interesting characters and caustic wit.
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  3. Variety
    Reviewed by: Leslie Felperin
    80
    There's a proper lived-in believability about Layer Cake's depiction of how the worlds of the rich, the criminal and the criminally rich intersect.
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