A gangster family epic set in 1919 Birmingham, England and centered on a gang who sew razor blades in the peaks of their caps, and their fierce boss Tommy Shelby, who means to move up in the world.
Rated 3.8 / 5 from 6 logs on Katalog
Peaky Blinders Season 1 is a 2013 British crime drama series created by Steven Knight. Set in 1919, Birmingham, England, the ambitious gang leader of the Peaky Blinders, Thomas Shelby, finds his crew has come under the scrutiny of Belfast Chief Inspector Chester Campbell, who has been sent to clean up the city of crime. This six-episode season is a gripping portrait of post-war Britain. The atmosphere is one of its greatest strengths; the cinematography makes you almost feel the mud under your boots and the damp industrial air in your lungs. The fusion of historical setting with modern music works brilliantly, especially the haunting opening theme, “Red Right Hand” by Nick Cave, which perfectly captures the show’s dark, brooding tone. The cast is outstanding, led by Cillian Murphy, whose performance as Thomas Shelby is magnetic, cold, intelligent, and quietly menacing. The rest of the cast adds weight to the story, although a few characters could have benefited from more depth and development. The writing is sharp and the pacing tight, balancing political tension, gang warfare, and psychological drama. 8/10
Peaky Blinders Season 2 is a 2014 British crime drama series created by Steven Knight. Set two years after the events of Season 1, in 1921, it follows the Shelby family as they expand their business South and North while maintaining their stronghold in Birmingham, England. Season 2 drags us back into the world of factories, political tension, and ambition. The atmosphere remains immersive, industrial, muddy, and suffocating in the best possible way. The introduction of Tom Hardy as the unpredictable Alfie Solomons is great; he steals every scene he’s in with chaotic charisma. Alongside him, Noah Taylor brings menace and intensity as Darby Sabini. The expanded cast elevates the tension, while Cillian Murphy continues to command the screen with a colder Thomas Shelby. Gripping and confident continuation of the Shelby saga, bigger in scale, darker in tone, and even more ruthless than before. 8/10
Peaky Blinders Season 3 is a 2016 British crime drama series created by Steven Knight. Set in 1924, it follows the Shelby family as they enter a dangerous world of international intrigue. Thomas Shelby and his entire organization are at risk, forcing him to question everything about his ambitions and desires. The cast, as always, is exceptional. Visually and atmospherically, the show remains high quality, with moody cinematography, sharp production design, and a modern soundtrack that clashes beautifully with the period setting. At times, the script feels overly convoluted, especially in the subplots involving Tommy’s family. Certain motivations and decisions come across as rushed or inconsistent, which slightly weakens the emotional core. Still, the political intrigue and high-stakes tension keep the narrative gripping overall. Season 3 is colder, heavier, and more unstable. 7/10
Peaky Blinders Season 4 is a 2017 British crime drama series created by Steven Knight. Set during Christmas 1925, the Shelby family receives a mysterious letter, and Tommy soon realizes that all of them are in serious danger. The season centers on the revenge plot of Luca Changretta against the Shelby family. The additional cast includes Adrian Brody as Luca Changretta, who delivers a strong and convincing performance. The rest of the cast once again proves to be one of the strongest aspects of the show. The atmosphere and visual style remain excellent, maintaining the dark and gritty tone the series is known for. While the script has a few minor flaws similar to the previous season, the story is well-paced and engaging. 7.5/10
Peaky Blinders Season 5 is a 2019 British crime drama series created by Steven Knight. Set in 1929, the story unfolds as the world is thrown into turmoil by the Wall Street Crash of 1929. Thomas Shelby, now serving as a Member of Parliament, is approached by the ambitious politician Oswald Mosley. Tommy soon realizes that the choices he makes will affect not only the future of his family but also that of the entire nation. This season offers an interesting look at the early phase of the British Union of Fascists and the rise of its leader, Mosley. At the same time, the Shelby family faces a violent conflict with the notorious Glasgow gang known as the Billy Boys. The cast once again delivers strong performances, with notable additions including Anya Taylor-Joy as Gina Gray and Sam Claflin as Oswald Mosley. The atmosphere is darker than ever, reflecting the turbulent times and Tommy’s increasingly troubled state of mind, with his inner struggles and dark thoughts present throughout the season. Season 5 maintains the show’s high level of pwrformances, tension, and visual style, while diving deeper into political intrigue and Tommy’s psychological battles. 8/10
Peaky Blinders Season 6 is a 2022 British crime drama created by Steven Knight, serving as the final chapter of this phenomenal series. Set between 1933 and 1934, the story follows Thomas Shelby as he expands his operations to North America, where the end of Prohibition in the United States opens up new opportunities. However, he soon finds himself facing growing threats, including a powerful old adversary finally making his move. This season continues the story on an even larger scale, spanning two continents and weaving together themes of IRA activity, the rise of fascism, family conflict, and political tension within the British Parliament. From Birmingham to Boston, the narrative is ambitious. The cast delivers strong performances as always, while the show maintains its signature dark and heavy atmosphere. Compared to earlier seasons, the focus shifts more toward psychological drama and internal conflict rather than pure action. The ending feels intentionally open, leaving room for the story to continue in the future. 8/10
