We Still Kill the Old Way (2014) Plot Summary Explained

Ritchie Archer returns to London from Spain specifically to investigate the brutal murder of his brother Charlie, who was killed by the local street gang E2. Frustrated by the police's apparent inability or unwillingness to pursue the case, Ritchie takes it upon himself to find answers and deliver the justice the authorities won't provide.

• ritchie archer
• charlie
• e2 gang
• revenge
• murder investigation

The police appear to be delaying the case due to a combination of incompetence, fear of E2, or possibly corruption. Ritchie quickly senses something isn't right about how the murder is being handled, which deepens his distrust of authorities and strengthens his resolve to take matters into his own hands.

• police
• e2 gang
• investigation delay
• corruption
• incompetence

Ritchie suffers a heart attack during the gang's operation to abduct E2 associates, likely due to the extreme physical and emotional stress of seeking revenge for his brother. The medical crisis occurs mid-operation, forcing the group to improvise and heightening the stakes significantly.

• ritchie heart attack
• abduction operation
• health crisis
• vigilantes

Lauren is the daughter of a detective-inspector who once had a short relationship with Aaron, the leader of E2. She also witnessed Charlie's murder, making her both a valuable witness and a perfect pawn. The gang uses her to bait E2 into attempting to kill Ritchie in his hospital bed, setting up the violent ambush.

• lauren
• aaron
• e2 gang
• hospital ambush
• bait trap

The gang deliberately leaves Ritchie vulnerable in his hospital bed, knowing E2 would attempt to finish him off. Lauren is used to draw Aaron's gang into the trap. When E2 launches their ambush, the older gangsters are waiting, leading to a fierce shoot-out that leaves several gang members incapacitated or dead.

Foreshadowing: Earlier abductions of E2 associates drew the gang's attention and aggression toward Ritchie's location.

• hospital ambush
• shoot-out
• e2 gang
• trap
• revenge plan

Aaron threatens to kill Lauren as leverage to force the older gangsters to surrender. Recognizing the personal connection between Lauren and his enemies, Aaron uses her as a bargaining chip, demanding the gang give themselves up in exchange for her life.

• aaron
• lauren
• hostage
• threat
• extortion

The older gang surrenders because Aaron threatens to kill Lauren if they don't comply. With her life at immediate risk, they have no choice but to give themselves up, though the surrender only temporarily halts the violence as Ritchie and Aaron continue their personal conflict.

• surrender
• lauren
• hostage
• negotiation

Armed police arrive at the hospital confrontation between the older gangsters and E2. They shoot and kill Aaron, bringing the main threat to an end. The intervention marks the violent climax of the vendetta, eliminating Aaron but leaving the survivors to face the consequences of their actions.

• armed police
• aaron killed
• shootout
• arrest
• justice

The epilogue reveals Ritchie appearing at the private airport alongside his old crew, who bid him farewell. He alludes to a shared past with Charlie in 1969, with Roy adding "in Turin" to the memory. The exact events remain mysterious, suggesting a historical deed or crime the gangsters committed together that remains unresolved.

• 1969
• turin
• epilogue
• flashback
• ritchie charlie past