B. Monkey

Directed by Michael Radford
R
1998    1h 34mRomance, Crime
5.960%54%5.8
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When wistful introvert Alan Furnace meets quick-witted bombshell Beatrice, he has no idea of her secret life as "B. Monkey" -- the top thief-for-hire in London's criminal underworld. Charmed by Furnace's innocent and chivalrous ways, Beatrice resolves to reform. But to cash in on her first chance at real love, she must escape her former partner in crime, the ruthless Paul Neville -- and a dark past that seems to haunt her every step.
  • Asia ArgentoBeatrice
  • Jared HarrisAlan Furnace
  • Rupert EverettPaul Neville
  • Jonathan Rhys MeyersBruno
  • Julie T. WallaceMrs. Sturge
  • Ian HartSteve Davis
  • Tim WoodwardFrank Rice
  • Bryan PringleGoodchild
  • Clare HigginsMs. Cherry
  • Marc WarrenTerence
  • Camilo GallardoBarman
  • Michael CarlinCarlo
  • Paul IrelandBarman (Kings Head)
  • Catherine CarterJoy
  • Kitty McGeeverJudith
  • Amanda BoxerTory Lady
  • Vincent ReganJohnny Hart
  • Kerry ShaleTexan
  • Seretta WilsonTexan Wife
  • Eddie MarsanYoung Thug

B. Monkey Ratings & Reviews

  • EnochLightJanuary 4, 2025
    What do you get when you throw in a fairytale romance with a seedy 90's-era crime noir? You get B. Monkey, with a fantastic performance by Asia Argento and Jared Harris. While not without its missteps, this take on love-versus-lust and the development of commitment between two very unalike people is a pleasure to watch. The late 90's represented a fantastic era for film soundtracks, and this forgotten gem does not disappoint. From its classic jazz featuring Chet Baker, Django Reinhardt, Peggy Lee and a host of others, to its trip hop (oh hey, Portishead and Curve!) and glam (Suede!), the music is just a cornucopia of classics. The job of "hospital DJ" may or may not have been a thing, but had I been a patient under the watchful ear of DJ Alan Furnace, I would have fallen asleep peacefully every night. Jonathan Rhys Meyers is practically baby-faced but does a worthy job of portraying the broken Bruno, and Rupert Everett as the slimy but cultured Paul Neville feels like a natural. But it's 23 year old Asia Argento that owns this film. If you'd never heard of the legendary Dario Argento's daughter until this film, you will become an instant fan. Jared Harris is excellent as the lovelorn Alan Furnace, and it's a far cry from the role he played in "Last of the Mohicans" as a British Lieutenant just 6 years earlier. Overall, "B. Monkey" represents a time when films were made with blisteringly relevant soundtracks and a topic that could only be done in the 90's. I miss films like this.

B. Monkey Trivia

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