Zillion

After "Les Ardennes" that I liked very much at the time Robin Pront returns with Zillion, the incredible biopic on a nerd who plunges into the world of the night through a success story that will make little echo to those who loved "The wolf of wall street". I don't know the character, I don't know if it's faithful, but the film is really great.

Overexcited and overexcited like his eccentric character, welcome in the Belgium of the 90s, the film is a real blast that takes off at 100 per hour. Difficult to be bored, the characters are a treat, the story is hallucinating and the staging is very nice. The feeling that emerges for me is a real plunge into a world of madness, decadent, immoral, voyeur but so enjoyable.

The actors are very good, the light and the music are excellent, the editing is thundering, a beautiful surprise that certainly looks like a roller coaster and whose inevitable decadence is both tragic and pathetic, a story of friendship and opportunism, filled with characters as endearing as decadent. Like Boogie Night in a little less trash anyway, the trip is as terrible as exciting.

Zillion," directed by Robin Pront, is a captivating film that vividly recreates the rise and fall of one of Belgium's most legendary nightclubs. Set in the vibrant 1990s, the movie centers around the infamous Zillion club, known for its extravagant parties, cutting-edge music, and its controversial owner, Frank Verstraeten.

Plot and Setting

The film's narrative is gripping, following Frank Verstraeten, portrayed with remarkable intensity by Matteo Simoni, as he transforms Zillion into the epicenter of European nightlife. The storyline deftly balances Frank's ambition and the excesses that come with it, presenting a raw, unfiltered look at the hedonistic lifestyle of the era. The club scenes are electrifying, filled with pulsating energy and a sense of euphoria that makes the audience feel as if they are part of the revelry.

Character Performances

Matteo Simoni delivers a standout performance, capturing both the charisma and the darker, more obsessive sides of Verstraeten. His portrayal is nuanced, making the character compelling and, at times, sympathetic despite his flaws. Supporting roles, including Charlotte Timmers as Vanessa, bring depth to the film, highlighting the personal and professional relationships that defined Verstraeten's turbulent journey.

Direction and Cinematography

Robin Pront's direction is masterful, skillfully blending high-octane party scenes with quieter, more introspective moments. The cinematography by Robrecht Heyvaert is stunning, using a vibrant color palette that reflects the club's neon-lit world. The camera work is dynamic, immersing the viewer in the frenetic pace of the nightlife while also capturing the emotional undercurrents of the characters' lives.

Music and Soundtrack

The soundtrack is another highlight, featuring a mix of classic '90s techno and contemporary tracks that pay homage to the club's musical legacy. The music not only enhances the film's atmosphere but also serves as a driving force in the storytelling, reflecting the highs and lows of Zillion's existence.

Themes and Impact

"Zillion" explores themes of ambition, excess, and the fleeting nature of fame. It delves into the dichotomy of success and the personal cost that often accompanies it. The film also serves as a cultural time capsule, capturing the spirit of the '90s rave scene and its lasting impact on nightlife and music culture.

Conclusion

In "Zillion," Robin Pront has crafted a visually arresting and emotionally engaging film that chronicles the rise and fall of a nightlife empire. With standout performances, particularly from Matteo Simoni, and an evocative soundtrack, the movie is a nostalgic yet cautionary tale about the allure of power and the dangers of unchecked ambition. For those who remember the era or are fascinated by nightlife history, "Zillion" is a must-watch.

The Zillion movie is certainly not a bad movie, but there is just way to much thuggery and fiction in it. Form about 1:06:00 the movie became more unbelievable by the second. The problem with this is that nightlife has an image that is absolutely false. Of course things happened that were absolutely not right as for example the war of the bouncers, but this problem was not a problem of zillion only. If the real owner of Carré was the slighest bit as in the movie, Carre would not still be operational on the date this is written and closed down decades ago.

Of course the movie does have good positives as well. The scene of the opening of Zillion and the music did sent shivers down my spine and brought me back to a time that has past a very long time ago.

I personally think It's a true shame the movie didn't stick more to the facts as known of today. It would have made a far better bio-pic then it is now and is this not exactly what it claims to be?

Really great and entertaining biopic about the rise and fall of Zillion one of the most famous disco's in the '90 in Antwerp. The life of Frank Verstraeten is so amazing that the real question remains what was real and was was written for this movie adaptation. Great music from the '90 and absolutely terrific performance of Matteo Simoni as Dennis Black Magic. Also Jonas Vermeulen (starting as Frank Verstraeten) has his first major roll and plays an entertaining/crazy Frank. Must-see if you like music from the '90. It's a bit like a flemish Scorsese-film or kind of a Wolf of Wall Street film about disco in these wonderful years (1997-2002). Robin Pront really shows he has the maturity to grow even further and make great & entertaining movies for the crowd.

Second time watch and still as great as the first time ! Did i have fun ? Hell yeah ! Is it good ? It's great ! Overall a very wellmade Belgian movie based on a true story about the Zillion dancing (1997 - 2002) . Very entertaining ! Cast did such a great job ! Love the score too ! Really can't think of something i didn't like about this movie . This was an instant favorite the first time i watched it and now after a second watch it still is ! Definitely one of the best Belgian movies in a long time . Get some snacks or some pizza , something to drink and you will have a fun time ! I recommend it !