Sexy Beast is the kind of film you so rarely see come out of Hollywood. It obviously wouldn't exist without the influence of Tarantino, but it earns, instead of copies, its place on that shelf. This film doesn't copy Tarantino, but learns from him and improves upon him. This is the film that Snatch wants to be. This has the kind of emotional connection Guy Ritchie wishes he could make with his audience. It doesn't treat death as a joke or gag, it treats its characters with intelligence and depth, and its damn funny to boot. Ben Kingsley is terrifying, Ray Winston proves he isn't just a one trick pony, and all the other actors provide their characters with charm and realism. This movie is a winner from top to bottom.