Tough Guys

A 72-year-old ex-gangster who longs to keep working and stay connected to his past. He is stubborn, loyal, and capable of decisive action, especially when protection and nostalgia collide. His encounters with aging institutions reveal his struggle to reconcile a storied identity with a retirement-age reality.

A 67-year-old ex-criminal who adapts to a rapidly changing world with mixed success. He is drawn to new experiences, from a young manager’s disapproval to a high-tech gym and a flirtation that challenges his sense of masculinity. He remains pragmatic and ready to act when needed.

The parole officer who meets the duo at the gates and keeps a wary eye on their parole conditions. He struggles with guilt for dragging them into trouble and ultimately helps orchestrate an escape to help Harry and Archie. His concern for their safety clashes with his professional duty.

The officer who first arrested Harry and Archie, now closely monitors their parole. He represents the unforgiving side of the system and adds tension as he pursues a fugitive. He is practical, by-the-book, and relentless when chasing a lead.

An elderly hitman with bad eyesight and a long-standing contract on the principal duo. Paid to kill them, he reappears decades later, driven by money and a lingering grudge. His presence heightens danger and injects a looming sense of inevitability.

Harry’s old flame who reconnects with him and recalls happier times. She provides a touchstone of nostalgia and warmth in the midst of chaos and chaos of reinvention. Their shared past creates emotional tension as present-day choices clash with memories.

A young restaurant manager who embodies 1980s modernity. She introduces Archie to new fashion and nightclub culture, sparking a brief affair and signaling how youth and gender dynamics reshape relationships. Her presence challenges Archie’s sense of self and accelerates his adaptation to the era.