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Asia Argento, Jared Harris, Rupert Everett, Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Tim Woodward ... see more see more... , Ian Hart , Eddie Marsan

In this witty romantic thriller, Alan (Jared Harris) is a London schoolteacher who leads a quiet, mildly stuffy life. As a hobby, he serves as a jazz disc jockey, spinning tunes for a hospital's publi... read more read more...c address system, but he craves danger and excitement. One night, Alan stops into a bar for a drink and sees Beatrice (Asia Argento), a beautiful woman who is arguing with two men. Alan is immediately enraptured by Beatrice and begins to pursue her. What Alan doesn't know is that Beatrice is an infamous thief known to the police as "B. Monkey" (named for her ability to break into anything), and the men she was quarreling with were Paul (Rupert Everett) and Bruno (Jonathan Rhys Meyers), a gay couple who are her partners in crime. When Alan becomes aware of Beatrice's secret, he tries to lead her into a safer and more honest way of life, even as she lures him into the thrilling existence he's been dreaming of. Leading lady Asia Argento is the daughter of Italian horror auteur Dario Argento. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

Flixster Users

51% liked it

3,411 ratings

Critics

65% liked it

17 critics

R, 1 hr. 30 min.

Directed by: Michael Radford

Release Date: September 10, 1999

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DVD Release Date: March 21, 2000

Stats: 113 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (113)

  • harrycaul
    October 15, 2007
    harrycaul
    While this certainly doesn't satisfy as a thriller, beneath the gritty exterior and all the expletives there lurks a sweet, rather old-fashioned love story. Not a great movie, but quite charming all the same. Rupert Everett stands out as a world-weary drug dealer/addict.
  • jjb3332003
    March 29, 2010
    jjb3332003
    Solid movie. Good music, cast, story, and Asia Argento is sexier than ever. The ending was not what I expected, but I liked it.
  • rickrudge
    July 10, 2009
    rickrudge
    B. Monkey (1999)

    What is it about latin women that makes my heart skip a beat? Those dark eyes burn right through my grey eyes, to my very soul. And that attitude and passion scares the hell out of me. They don't even need to be all that beautiful, but when they are, it's a k... read morenock out. That's how I feel about Asia Argento. Ever since I saw her in XXX, I was drawn to her like a moth to a flame. B. Monkey clinched it with those beautiful nude scenes.

    Well, that pretty much is what happened to Alan Furnace (Jared Harris), a mild-mannered 3rd grade grammar school teacher who sees Beatrice (Argento) AKA B. Monkey, in a pub, and is drawn to her. B. Monkey is a jewel thief, and the crowd that she hangs out with is pretty wild and crazy compared to the more sedate life of Alan's. She wants to get out of the business, and is drawn to Alan just as Alan is drawn to the excitement of B Monkey.

    Things start getting complicated when B.'s friends want her to do one last big score. This time Alan may get sucked into it. This is sort of a neo noir movie, in that a nice guy gets caught up with a femme fatale, but actually, everyone is going down in flames together. But, what a warm, fiery blaze! :-)
  • erich4
    September 6, 2007
    erich4
    I initially avoided this because I thought the title sounded like a stupid joke. I still don't really understand why the main character is called a monkey even though they say "because she could get in anywhere." I've never thought of a monkey to be a great thief but I'm not co... read morempletely hip on my Britain slang. Anyway, this was very good. Asia Argento is heartbreakingly beautiful and Jared Harris shows his usual greatness (it was nice to see him in a major role for a change). Rhys Meyers plays a cracked out thief to perfect, but that may be because he always looks cracked out anyway.

    The story - criminal trying to live anew life - has been done before (and better) but the characters make it work. I liked the idea of a kindergarten teacher falling in love with a criminal. I'm usually not a fan of jazz, but the use of it in this film (Harris is also a late night DJ) worked. The spontaneous way the characters moved from place to place was much like jazz and I think that point comes across quite clear and effectively.
  • declanmorrison
    May 11, 2007
    declanmorrison
    I love this film and finally bought a copy of my own on Amazon. What can I say about this film? Asia Argento, need I say more? Another must see. Trust me.

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Critic Reviews

Dennis Schwartz
February 10, 2009
Dennis Schwartz, Ozus' World Movie Reviews

No one does enough to overcome its formulaic crime story, its lack of gritty authenticity and its squishy inert romance. Full Review

Chuck Rudolph
April 17, 2001
Chuck Rudolph, Matinee Magazine

Shows stretch marks from the start. Full Review

Brandon Judell
April 8, 2001
Brandon Judell, PopcornQ

. . . you have the stunning Rhys-Myers to look at. Thick lips and wild eyes have never found a better face to land on. Full Review

Thom Bennett
January 1, 2000
Thom Bennett, Film Journal International

Hands down, it's one of the outstanding films of the year. Full Review

Michael Dequina
January 1, 2000
Michael Dequina, TheMovieReport.com

A cold piece of machinery. Full Review

Owen Gleiberman
September 7, 2011
Owen Gleiberman, Entertainment Weekly

Click to read the article Full Review

Derek Elley
July 28, 2008
Derek Elley, Variety

Click to read the article Full Review

Kevin Thomas
February 14, 2001
Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times

Click to read the article Full Review

Jessica Winter
January 1, 2000
Jessica Winter, Village Voice

Click to read the article Full Review

Anita Gates
January 1, 2000
Anita Gates, New York Times

Click to read the article Full Review

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B. Monkey Trivia

  • what animal does homer simpson have in the simpsons movie? You Chose: a. dog (Incorrect - 0 pts) Correct Answer: a. dog (7%) b. horse (1%) c. pig (14%)-- d. monkey (2%) e. cow (0%) The movie hasn't even came out yet so what a dumb question!  Answer »
  • just had this question in the disney film aladin, whats the name of the monkey? You Chose: c. apu (Correct - 10 pts) Correct Answer: a. raferi (0%) b. rasha (0%) c. apu (4%) d. sari (0%) e. jasmine (0%) for a start the movie is called Aladdin and the monkey is called Abu  Answer »
  • Got asked this question: In the first Harry Potter movie, after taking the polyjuice potion what animal does Hermione accidentaly turn into? Choose the correct answer: A rat A dog A horse A cat A monkey What is wrong with this question?  Answer »
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