The series "Sharp peaks": actors and roles, historical background

The dramatic crime series "Sharp Peaks" started on the BBC channel in 2013, and by the final series of the season gathered a very impressive audience of 2.4 million spectators. The storyline with a claim to historical authenticity and talented Stephen Knight in the director's chair is already half the success. However, we should not lose sight of the fact that the actors in the series "Sharp peaks" have world-famous actors who have made their characters bright, colorful and sometimes ambiguous.

In the photo above, you can see the director (second from right) and the performers of the main roles of the second season.

The historical basis of the series

In a conversation about the history of the creation of the gangster saga, S. White says that he took as a basis the real events that took place in English Birmingham in the first half of the 20th century. The prototype of the Shelby family was a youth gang that traded in the late 19th century. Their name, according to urban legends, they received because of the visors sewn into the visor. A more prosaic version meanwhile suggests that this is due to their style of clothing in general. In those days, a cap with a sharp peak was very popular.

Meanwhile, many historians believe that sharp peaks (actors and roles of the series will be named further) and similar to them formations became the progenitors of modern subcultures. They possessed their own Code of Honor and Conduct, style of clothing, spent time in certain pubs and, in principle, ordinary thugs were not alike, absolutely intelligent gentlemen.

The protagonists of the series had their prototypes, members of the infamous gang: Harry Fowler, Ernest Baileys, Stephen McHeekee and Thomas Gilbert. Archival materials were published before the premiere.

The plot of the series

The first thing that the audience will note is the face of English Birmingham after the First World War. The general poverty and poverty, impotence and corruption of the police all led to a surge in crime. At the beginning of the 20th century, military factories were being actively built in the city, which made weapons accessible to gangsters and gangs. It is from the story of the kidnapping from the warehouse of a large party that the series "Sharp peaks" begins, the actors of which are brilliantly selected.

One of the most influential gangs of the city is the Shelby family. The brothers just returned from the war and take over the reins of the family business from Aunt Polly. At the head, as it may seem, the eldest Arthur, but in fact everything is done by the average brother Thomas. He is trying hard to move the business to a legal channel. The situation is complicated by a new chief of police and his agent, arranged in a pub under the guise of a bartender.

The Shelby family

The gang of acute visors is numerous, but the leading position is occupied by the Shelby family, consisting of 4 blood brothers and sisters, as well as Aunt Polly, who ran the business while the men were at war. The oldest is Arthur. He positions himself as a leader, has an irascible temper. His role was played by British actor Paul Anderson. However, in spirit and strength, his average brother, Thomas, is superior. It is he who takes the reins in his own hands. The war radically changed his view of life and made us forget about simple human joys. His life changes dramatically with the appearance of the barmaid - Irish Grace, who also works for the captain of the police. The role was played by Killian Murphy, known for the films "Beginning", "The Dark Knight: The Renaissance of the Legend", etc.

Irishman with piercing blue eyes became the star of the series "Sharp peaks." Actors (season 1) are chosen in the best way, so the viewer does not even have doubts that there is one big family on the screen, even if it's a gangster one. In addition, there are two younger brothers - John and Finn, their roles were played by Joe Cole and Alfie Evans. Ada Shelby (sister) is a character who gradually leaves the family, opposing her ideology and order. She, together with her son, is trying to lead a secluded life away from Birmingham and the brothers. Her role was played by the beginning English actress Sophie Rundle, familiar to the viewer on the film "Great Expectations".

Aunt Polly

If we talk about the gangster saga "Sharp peaks," whose actors themselves are like one family, then this character is worth noting a separate point. The godmother of the Shelby brothers is Polly Gray. She is like a guard behind their backs, supporting in everything and helping anything. A strong and desperate woman, who once lost her children. However, she will be able to return to the bosom of the family 18-year-old son, but whether she wants him for the same fate as that of nephews, remains a question of the third season of the series. The history of the development of her character on the screen - personal life, children and possible love - is quite suitable for a separate storyline. The role of Polly was performed by the famous British film and theater actress Helen McCrory. To a wide audience, she is known as Narcissa Malfoy from the Harry Potter saga.

Invited stars

What the series "Sharp peaks" can be proud of is actors, among which there are promising newcomers and real stars. Tom Hardy's participation in the second season not only increased the rating of the project, but also significantly added spectators. Hollywood actor meanwhile already worked with K. Murphy in the film K. Nolana. Hardy got a very colorful and vivid character Alfi Solomons - the leader of Jewish gangsters in London. A little strange and gloomy fellow with a bad reputation and a cruel temper.

The role of yet another famous crime boss in London in the 1920s, Darby Sabini, is played by Noah Taylor. Elegantly dressed and vicious leader of the Italian gang - this is a real character. Actor is familiar to spectators on episodic roles and the series "The Game of Thrones" (Lord Locke).

The series "Sharp peaks": the cast of 3 seasons

In November 2014, the management of the series announced its extension, which, of course, was the most pleasant news for the audience. The shooting began on October 5, 2015. The new season was replenished with new characters, and, accordingly, actors. Of course, in the center of the plot is still the Shelby family in full force. The pilot series will immediately transfer to the wedding of Thomas, but with whom, will have to guess. The actor himself says in an interview that he is excited in anticipation of the start of filming and the subsequent premiere. According to him, the third season will be the brightest and best of all that was filmed before.

In the role of refugees and victims of the international conflict, it will be possible to see our compatriot Dina Korzun and Jan Beyvut. Will not leave the project and Tom Hardy, which also pleases.

The film crew, the plot and the actors of the series "Sharp peaks" make it almost the best television project. Magnificent script, historical authenticity of the environment and landscapes of England of the 20s of the last century, bright characters - all this is an occasion to spend the evening watching the first two seasons. The viewer himself does not notice how he plunges into the damp and shrouded Birmingham.