Mona Lisa (1986 Neil Jordan)

Well written film by Jordan and David Leland often had me thinking of the prince in shining armour coming to rescue the damsel(s) in distress - only set in an ultra seedy world of prostitution, resided over by crime boss Michael Caine. All acting terrific and convincing - Bob Hoskins, Cathy Tyson, Robbie Coltrane, Zoe Nathanson (daughter), Clarke Peters, Kate Hardie. Noticed a few little digs at religion, too.

There are some terrific scenes which lurch into explosion, such as the opening (attempting to see daughter) or the bust up between Bob and Cathy where she starts hitting him. But there's also a welcome vein of humour throughout, particularly between author Coltrane and Hoskins ('How's your tall thin black story?')

It's all very stylishly shot by Roger Pratt and the reinvention of the theme music as it progresses is a good touch (reminds me of Altman's Long Goodbye) - Michael Kamen. Lesley Walker edited (Shadowlands, All Or Nothing, Gilliam films). Had me thinking of Taxi Driver more than once, particularly in ending.