Peaky Blinders

Great British crime drama Peaky Blinders has not only captured the imaginations of the world, but also fans of the show will remember the dark storytelling and stylish cinematography. First airing on BBC Two in 2013 (later BBC One) and running six series, it became a hit critically and internationally thanks to its Netflix availability.

A Story of Power, Family, and Crime

Peaky Blinders is set in post World War I Birmingham, England, following a gangster clan headed by the cunning and violent Thomas Shelby (Cillian Murphy). Peaky Blinders literally means the real life gang name for men who had razor blades sewn into the peak of their caps. But the series chronicles the family’s rise from petty bookies on the street, to high wages in the British underworld.

The theme covered by Peaky Blinders deals with power, loyalty, trauma and ambition. Blending the historical context with a fictional drama, it weaves in real world events of the rise of Socialism, fascism, and the aftermath of the Great War into the characters’ personal criminal pursuits.

Stellar Cast and Performances

Cillian Murphy plays Tommy Shelby, a war hero turned gangster with his brilliance and brokenness pulling the show along. His portrayal has been praised as being superbly deep and intense. All-around supporting cast includes Paul Anderson as Arthur Shelby, Helen McCrory as Polly Gray, Sophie Rundle as Ada Shelby and lastly but certainly not least, Tom Hardy as Alfie Solomons, all bringing a certain depth to their roles.

The most beloved character of the show is Helen McCrory as Polly Gray, the Shelby family’s fierce and strategic matriarch. In 2021, she passed away and was her large loss to the cast and fans alike.

Cinematic Style and Iconic Soundtrack

It is what makes Peaky Blinders different to most other crime dramas; it is cinematic. Stylish visuals, sharp editing and a gritty, noir aesthetic make for perfect accompaniment to its dark themes, and the series also contains plenty of nice extras for fans and detailed descriptions of the show's art from creator Yukio Tsukuramura. The soundtrack alternates between the modern and edgy tunes of Nick Cave, Arctic Monkeys, PJ Harvey and other artists and it serves as the ideal mix of historical and contemporary music.

Critical Acclaim and Cultural Impact

Peaky Blinders, during its six years on our screens, won plenty of BAFTAs, National Television Awards, and other awards. For instance, it has become a cultural phenomenon with people consuming the show; the theories fans come up with, the fashion trends and even themed bars, supermarkets etc.

What’s Next for Peaky Blinders?

Despite Seasons 1-6 being the final installments of the TV series, Peaky Blinders movie has been confirmed by creator Steven Knight, to finish off the Shelby saga. That same high-stakes, intensives drama typical in a booth will spill out on the big screen.

Do you wish to watch Peaky Blinders?

Peaky Blinders is addictive, gripping crime drama with depth in the characters and in the history, and with some wonderful toe tapping music, and cinematic flair that is hard to resist for the fan of this. It is one of the decade’s most stylish and well-crafted series.

Keywords: Peaky Blinders TV series, watch Peaky Blinders online, Tommy Shelby, Peaky Blinders cast, British crime drama, Peaky Blinders Netflix, Cillian Murphy, best gangster shows

• Director

  : Tom Harper, David Caffrey, Anthony Byrne

• Casting

  : Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle

• Production

  : Katie Swinden, Nick Goding