Indiana Jones And The Kingdom Of The Crystal Skull (2008)
The Movie: More action, as Harrison Ford drags Indiana Jones out of retirement for a somewhat maligned and unnecessary fourth round of historical mayhem.
Winstone Grit: There’s only room for one grizzled hero here, so Winstone’s pretty much left at the sidelines – though he does get to have some fun. Not much grit to speak of, though there’s lots of sand.
All In The Game (2006)
The Movie: A TV movie that exposes the power politics in play behind the scenes of premiership football. Winstone’s a football manager to a bottom-league team.
Winstone Grit: Winstone brings unbridled enthusiasm to a part he’s clearly passionate about, that characteristic grit giving his football manager the edge he needs to get his team motivated.
The Sweeney (2012)
The Movie: Winstone teams up with rapper Plan B aka Ben Drew for a big screen version of the ‘70s cop drama.
Winstone Grit: All shaved-headed and leather-wearing, Winstone shouts and gruffs his way through a role that might have benefited from a slightly lighter touch. Still, when he’s having this much fun, it’s hard not to get swept along with him.
Breaking And Entering (2006)
The Movie: Landscape architect Will (Jude Law) takes matters into his own hands when a young burglar targets his company.
Winstone Grit: Talkative and good-natured, Winstone plays for the other team as a kind CID involved in the burglary case. No grit here.
Theres Only One Jimmy Grimble (2000)
The Movie: Bullied youngster Jimmy Grimble (Lewis McKenzie) forgets his worries whenever he’s on the football pitch in this light-hearted drama.
Winstone Grit: Though he doesn’t get much to do as Jimmy’s wayward father, Winstone is likeable and warm in a role that doesn’t require him to bare his teeth.
Edge Of Darkness (2010)
The Movie: Mel Gibson plays Thomas Craven, a homicide detective whose investigation into the murder of his daughter exposes corporate corruption.
Winstone Grit: In an otherwise routine thriller, Winstone brings a confident swagger that lifts proceedings considerably. He’s doing the shady, mysterious thing again, but you’re never in any doubt that this guy could cause some serious damage.
Ripleys Game (2002)
The Movie: Brit gangster Reeves (Winstone) gets caught up in the machinations of suave con artist Tom Ripley (John Malkovich), and might not live to tell the tale.
Winstone Grit: Smug and savage, Winstone brings serious bite to the role of Reeves. Though it’s only a small role, his presence is felt throughout.
Face (1997)
The Movie: A gang of criminals – including Ray (Robert Carlyle) and Dave (Winstone) – plan a heist that’ll land them a cool £3m. When they come away with less than they expected, it’s just the first thing to go wrong as jealousy and suspicion threaten to destroy the gang.
Winstone Grit: Winstone is as intimidating as ever, though he does at one point give Carlyle a hug. He’s nice, really, see.
Ladies And Gentlemen, The Fabulous Stains (1982)
The Movie: Musical drama from way back at the beginning of Winstone’s career. A talent-less group of punk rockers are rocketed to superstardom when their rants are mistaken as feminist war cries.
Winstone Grit: A young Winstone brings surprising wisdom to his role as punk singer Billy while retaining that cantankerous spirit he’d become best known for. Grit in the making…
The Chronicles Of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe (2005)
The Movie: First adaptation of CS Lewis’ fantasy series, in which four siblings end up in the mystical land of Narnia. Winstone voices the CGI Mr Beaver.
Winstone Grit: If you want grit, you’ll want to look elsewhere – here, Winstone has fun bantering with Dawn French instead. Which is just what we want from a Narnia movie.
