Overview
A gripping tale of love and danger in the underbelly of London.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Strong
- Complexity
- Layered
- Violence
- Moderate
- melancholic
- darkly romantic
- stylish
- late night viewing
- neo-noir double feature
What critics said
Critics broadly praised the stylish neo-noir atmosphere and Bob Hoskins’s riveting, emotionally generous performance, while finding the melodramatic crime story occasionally insubstantial or predictable.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
George’s growing affection for Simone becomes inseparable from the criminal threats surrounding her work and Mortwell’s power.
The film’s baroque thriller textures and expressive urban mood externalize George and Simone’s guarded intimacy.
George returns from prison unable to reclaim his former place in London’s criminal underworld and must accept work as a driver.
George and Simone initially maintain defensive personas, while Simone’s dangerous private agenda gradually shapes their alliance.
Films like Mona Lisa, and why
The Long Good Friday
British neo-noir crime drama combining working-class alienation, criminal underworld menace, and a morally complicated relationship
Leaving Las Vegas
Stylish neo-noir centered on prostitution, emotional dependency, and dangerous criminal power structures
The Crying Game
Romantic crime thriller with a vulnerable outsider drawn into a violent underworld and an emotionally guarded partner
Night and the City
Melancholic urban crime story with damaged protagonists, sexual politics, and a darkly romantic atmosphere
Movie Details
- Director
- Neil Jordan
- Release Date
- 1986-06-13
- Runtime
- 105 min
- Rating
- 6.9 / 10 (308)
Cast
- Bob Hoskins
- Cathy Tyson
- Robbie Coltrane
- Michael Caine
- Clarke Peters
- Sammi Davis
- Kate Hardie
- Zoë Nathenson
- Rod Bedall
- Joe Brown
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Mona Lisa about?
- A disgraced London ex-convict becomes the chauffeur and reluctant protector of a high-priced call girl whose secrets draw them into a perilous criminal underworld.
- What is Mona Lisa like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Mona Lisa as measured, its intensity as strong and its storytelling as layered.
- Is Mona Lisa violent?
- Somewhat. Ember rates the violence in Mona Lisa as moderate.
- What did critics think of Mona Lisa?
- Critics broadly praised the stylish neo-noir atmosphere and Bob Hoskins’s riveting, emotionally generous performance, while finding the melodramatic crime story occasionally insubstantial or predictable.
- Which films are like Mona Lisa?
- Films with a similar feel include The Long Good Friday, Leaving Las Vegas, The Crying Game, and Night and the City.
- How long is Mona Lisa?
- Mona Lisa runs 105 minutes.
- Where can I watch Mona Lisa?
- In United States, Mona Lisa streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, Criterion Channel, HBO Max.
