Film Review – Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire (2024)

Based on real life events, Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire follows the highs and lows of a South London crime family the Roman’s which is headed by Mick Roman. As the family struggles with infighting, the attentions of the ‘cozzers’ (police), and rival firms trying to steal what they feel is rightfully theirs – they risk losing everything that they have worked so hard to build. Can the family pull together one last time? Will this finally be the fall of their Roman Empire? It is Bermondsey like you have never seen it before!

Written and directed by Michael Head, who also stars as the character Henry in the film, Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire follows several different characters each with their own subplots. Throughout Head employs the use of comedy interlaced with the gritty drama. In fact, despite its more serious aspects, Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire arguably works best when it leans into its more comedic elements. The film shines when it feels like a serial film with consecutive laughs.

One of Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire’s biggest attractions is that of its cast which brings together several highly recognisable British actors. The cast includes Adam Deacon, Linda Robson, Alan Ford, and David Schaal to name just a few. It is hard to pick just one stand-out performance but John Hannah in particular delivers a lot of the laughs as a character aptly known as ‘The Postman.’ David Schaal is also a stand-out as a rage-filled father whose biggest priority is protecting his wayward daughter Chloe, who is played by Eastenders actor Maisie Smith.

Filmed in and around London, Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire certainly looks the part and with its gangster roots, will probably appeal most to film watchers who enjoy similar trappings from directors such as Guy Ritchie. On the flip side of this, Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire may have less appeal to those who are less fond of gangster films and everything they entail. Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire may be a comedy as well but with its vernacular and violence, it is still gritty and hard to watch at times.

Overall Bermondsey Tales: Fall of the Roman Empire is a strong offering from Head bolstered by its great British cast and predilection for comedy. It might be a gritty gangster drama but even more it is a laugh-out-loud crime caper!

★★★1/2

In cinemas May 17th / John Hannah, Alan Ford, Frank Harper, Maisie Smith, Adam Deacon, Vas Blackwood, Linda Robson, Charlotte Kirk / Dir: Michael Head / Kaleidoscope Entertainment | 18