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Ballad Of A Small Player is a fine example of how cinema can be dazzling and disappointing at the same time. It is the portrait of a talented director trying to extract meaning from a fragile script, and an exceptional cast struggling with a story that doesn't know where it's going. There are flashes of genius, moments when Berger's talent shines through - but they appear isolated, as if they belonged to another film. The result is an elegant, well-constructed drama, but one without soul.

In short, Ballad Of A Small Player is one of the great disappointments of the year. Not because it is a disaster, but precisely because it has everything it takes to be great. It is a reminder that, no matter how flawless the execution, a film can only stand on its own when the script gives substance to the ideas. Here, what we see is the opposite: a talented team trying to fill the void of a narrative that never comes together. Edward Berger remains a strong and respected name, but this is a minor chapter in his filmography - a slip-up that shows that even the greats can lose the balance between intention and execution.

Colin Farrel is one of my favorite actors and with this film he really got to show his acting chops. He practically carried the film by himself but then Tilda showed up!

With the back drop of Macau, the beautiful buildings and colors juxtaposed with people living in small boats out on a river it really makes the colors stand out even more.

Watch through the closing credits to see Colin and Tilda dancing.

A three-time loser in Macau attempts to find some way to get into one last game and reverse his fortunes.

I avoided watching this the first time Netflix stuck it in my face. I'm honestly tired of this setup. How many times do we have to watch a gambling addict in a casino before we get to say, "Yeah, I get it"? But this one stars Colin Farrell, and he's been in some really great movies over the past decade or two. Who can forget In Bruges?

Speaking of Bruges, this is set in Macau, another exotic location if, like me, you've never done much travel. It's an interesting place, and it's a bit surprising that Macau doesn't show up in gambling movies more often. One thing you may notice is the vibrant colors, both because North Americans often seem to prefer more muted colors and because the director enjoys being stylistic.

There's a moral to this story, and it's not particularly subtle. It's not particularly hard to guess what it is, either. However, Farrell makes his loser more of a lovable rogue than many actors would probably be able to pull off given the protagonist's issues. When he finally bares his soul, it feels genuine. So, while the story isn't exactly a completely original one, it's pulled off with what I felt was enough talent that I remained interested.

That said, I pulled out my smartphone near the end because it seemed to be going well past the obvious stopping point. If you're interested in Chinese culture, you should find the climax interesting, though. It goes in a direction I wasn't quite expecting, which is always a nice thing in a gambling movie.

This part goes a bit more surreal, which I liked, but I felt it wasn't as original as it could have been, It seemed to take influence from American and Japanese psychological thrillers of the 1990s, which is cool but a bit played out these days.

I enjoyed Colin Farrell's acting. I'd say it's worth a watch if you're a fan. His love interest was also cool, though I didn't feel I got to know her too well. This seems mostly Farrell's show. Besides that, it's a fun watch if you like stylistic movies with a touch of surrealism.

The Ballad of a Small Player is a stunningly crafted cinematic noir that further proves Colin Farrell's knack for brooding, morally complex roles.

Set against the electric and chaotic landscape of Macau, the film's cinematography is nothing short of breathtaking. The visuals paint the city as both a playground and a prison: rich neon reflections shimmer off rain-soaked streets, casinos glow like sirens calling the desperate, and the humid haze clings to every frame. Even when the film ventures to a rained soaked ocean top village or shadowy back-alleys, the camera finds beauty in the grit-each shot meticulously composed to echo the protagonist's internal decay and eventual rebirth.

Director Edward Berger brilliantly transports the audience into the sensory overload of Macau. You feel the sweltering humidity pressing down, the stickiness of a desperate night spent chasing fortune, the cathartic chaos of monsoon downpour washing away sins long clung to. Berger doesn't merely show this world-he makes the viewer physically inhabit it. The sound of taught rope swaying an ocean barge and the potential for stress induced cardiac arrest become a pulse that drives the narrative forward.

At the heart of this film -- is Farrell's mesmerizing performance as a disgraced British lawyer turned compulsive gambler on the edge of oblivion. His portrayal is raw, vulnerable, and unpredictable-oscillating between self-loathing and flickers of hope. Tilda Swinton, enigmatic as ever, plays a force of both temptation and salvation, her presence commanding and quietly devastating. The supporting cast provides depth and humanity, ensuring the emotional stakes remain grounded even amid high-rolling spectacle.

The storytelling grips from the outset, charting an arc that feels both tragic and uplifting. It is a journey of ruin and redemption, executed with elegance and emotional intelligence. The Ballad of a Small Player is a haunting, visually arresting triumph-one that lingers long after the credits roll. Highly recommend!

Edward Berger returns with another stunning film, this time based on the novel by Lawrence Osborne and with a screenplay by Rowan Joffe. A drama of redemption featuring an exceptional performance by Colin Farrell.

The cast also includes Fala Chen, Tilda Swinton, and Deannie Yip. Lord Doyle (Colin Farrell) takes refuge in Macau, where he squanders his days and nights gambling and drinking, risking what little money he has left. Drowning in mounting debt, he receives an unexpected offer from Dao Ming (Fala Chen), an enigmatic casino employee determined to play her own game. But Doyle is not alone in his escape. Private detective Cynthia Blithe (Tilda Swinton) is hot on his trail and doesn't hesitate to confront him with the very thing he's trying to flee. The more Doyle seeks salvation, the more the boundaries of reality blur.

Ballad of a Small Player reaffirms that the German director is one of the best at conveying tension, anguish, and complexity. He delivers another film with impeccable staging and outstanding performances. He makes the most of a script with moments more intense than others, resulting in one of the most interesting films Netflix has offered on its platform this year.

An intense drama that gains momentum as we explore the catharsis of its protagonist, masterfully portrayed by Colin Farrell, who is shaping up to be a strong contender this awards season thanks to one of the best performances of his career. A decadent and broken character who hits rock bottom as we witness the full extent of his despair. However, Farrell isn't the only one who shines, as both Fala Chen and Tilda Swinton stand out in their supporting roles.

It's true that, among Edward Berger's recent work, this film isn't the most outstanding in his filmography, but it has its charm. Perhaps its foray into neo-noir and certain script strengths make it quite enjoyable to watch. However, there are moments when it overreaches and completely derails, although it looks so good and has such a frenetic energy that its flaws are barely noticeable. That said, if you don't connect with it from the start, you'll likely lose interest.

In conclusion...

An interesting and enjoyable film that presents itself as an attractive option to watch and understand. Although it has some flaws in a script that drags on a bit at times, the skill of a talented director and a solid cast ensure that the film works as good entertainment, leaving you with pleasant feelings if you decide to give it a chance.