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“Peaky Blinders” is a British historical crime drama television series that premiered in 2013, created by Steven Knight. Set in the aftermath of World War I, the series follows the exploits of the Shelby family, who lead the Peaky Blinders, a notorious gang operating in Birmingham, England. With its stylish cinematography, gripping plotlines, and standout performances, particularly by Cillian Murphy as the ruthless yet charismatic Tommy Shelby, the series became a global hit. The show blends historical events with fiction, featuring real-world figures like Winston Churchill, while centering on themes of power, class struggles, and family loyalty.

Plot Overview

The story begins in 1919, post-WWI Birmingham, where Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy), a decorated war hero, returns home to take control of his family’s crime organization, the Peaky Blinders. The gang, named after their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, is involved in illegal bookmaking, smuggling, and other underground activities. The Peaky Blinders aim to expand their criminal empire, but they face challenges from rival gangs, the police, and higher political powers.

In the first season, the Peaky Blinders come into conflict with Inspector Chester Campbell (Sam Neill), a no-nonsense lawman sent by Winston Churchill to rid Birmingham of its criminal elements, specifically to retrieve a cache of stolen guns. Alongside this, Tommy begins a complex relationship with Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis), a barmaid who is secretly working undercover for Campbell.

As the series progresses, Tommy Shelby rises in power, expanding his influence into legitimate businesses while maintaining his hold on the criminal underworld. His ambition leads him to interact with various powerful figures, including politicians, fascists, and communists, while also confronting personal demons stemming from his wartime experiences and fractured family relationships.

Key Characters

• Tommy Shelby (Cillian Murphy): The leader of the Peaky Blinders, Tommy is a shrewd and ambitious crime boss. A former soldier suffering from PTSD, he is both ruthless in business and deeply loyal to his family. Tommy is a complex character who walks the line between villain and anti-hero, driven by a desire to elevate the Shelbys from criminals to legitimate power players.
• Arthur Shelby (Paul Anderson): Tommy’s older brother, Arthur is the muscle of the Peaky Blinders and struggles with anger issues and guilt over his actions during the war. His volatile nature makes him both a dangerous asset and a liability to the family.
• Polly Gray (Helen McCrory): Polly is the Shelby family’s matriarch and the treasurer of the Peaky Blinders’ operations. She is a tough and resourceful figure, fiercely protective of her family. Helen McCrory’s portrayal of Polly became one of the most beloved aspects of the show.
• John Shelby (Joe Cole): Another of Tommy’s brothers, John is a dedicated family man and a trusted lieutenant within the gang. As the series progresses, John struggles to balance his criminal activities with his desire for a more peaceful family life.
• Grace Burgess (Annabelle Wallis): Initially an undercover agent working for Inspector Campbell, Grace becomes romantically involved with Tommy, complicating her mission and her loyalties. Her relationship with Tommy is a central plotline in the early seasons of the show.
• Inspector Chester Campbell (Sam Neill): The main antagonist in the first season, Campbell is determined to bring down the Peaky Blinders and retrieve the stolen weapons for the British government. His pursuit of Tommy Shelby turns personal as the series progresses.
• Alfie Solomons (Tom Hardy): A Jewish gangster from London, Alfie becomes both an ally and a rival to Tommy. Tom Hardy’s portrayal of Alfie is one of the standout performances in the series, bringing a mix of menace and humor to the character.

Themes

• Post-War Trauma and Disillusionment: The series explores the psychological and emotional damage inflicted on soldiers returning from World War I. Tommy, Arthur, and other characters struggle with PTSD and the challenges of reintegrating into society, which fuels their violent behavior and ambition to build a criminal empire.
• Family and Loyalty: Family loyalty is a central theme throughout the series. The Shelby family is bound together by blood and business, with Tommy often making decisions to protect or elevate his siblings, even when it leads to internal conflict. The tension between family loyalty and individual ambition drives much of the drama in the show.
• Class Struggle and Power: Peaky Blinders delves into issues of class and the British social hierarchy. The Shelbys, despite their criminal enterprise, are portrayed as working-class heroes fighting against the established order. As Tommy gains power and wealth, the series explores the corrupting influence of ambition and the blurred lines between legitimacy and criminality.
• Crime and Politics: Throughout the series, Tommy increasingly becomes entangled in political affairs, aligning himself with various factions, including communists, socialists, and fascists, to further his own interests. The series explores the intersection of crime, politics, and power, showing how Tommy manipulates the political landscape to his advantage.

Visual Style and Atmosphere

Peaky Blinders is known for its stylish cinematography, often blending modern elements (such as a contemporary soundtrack) with its 1920s setting. The show’s visual aesthetic is gritty yet polished, with a focus on the dark, industrial backdrop of post-war Birmingham. The period costumes, particularly the flat caps worn by the Peaky Blinders, became iconic and heavily influenced fashion trends.

The series also uses slow-motion sequences and dramatic music, including tracks by artists like Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, Arctic Monkeys, and Radiohead, to heighten the intensity of scenes. This mix of historical drama with modern sensibilities makes Peaky Blinders stand out as a uniquely stylish show.

Impact and Legacy

Peaky Blinders has been praised for its sharp writing, complex characters, and atmospheric storytelling. The series garnered a strong following both in the UK and internationally, largely thanks to the availability of the show on streaming platforms like Netflix. Cillian Murphy’s portrayal of Tommy Shelby earned widespread acclaim, solidifying him as one of the most compelling anti-heroes in television.

The series became known not just for its gripping plotlines but also for its cultural impact, influencing fashion (with the resurgence of the “Peaky Blinders” style) and even inspiring merchandise, tours of Birmingham’s historical sites, and themed events.

Conclusion

Peaky Blinders (2013) is a masterful blend of historical drama, crime, and family saga, offering rich storytelling, compelling characters, and a visually stunning representation of post-WWI England. With its focus on power, class, and loyalty, and anchored by Cillian Murphy’s magnetic performance, the show quickly became a cultural phenomenon, earning its place as one of the most critically acclaimed series of its era. The gripping mix of historical events, fictional storytelling, and its iconic visual style continue to captivate audiences around the world.