Ballad of a Small Player

I will no longer go off imbd user reviews anymore, we live in a time if there's no capes, no old grey haired men flying in the sky, or webs shooting out a boys A** the movie is disliked and labeled as a bad movie, this is why the box office blockbusters are crashing this movie was outstanding from start to finish Colin Farrell's range just keeps expanding his performance alone makes this movie and amazing watch I'm not going to say anything about the movie go see it for yourself and don't go off these reviews, don't even go of this review just watch this for yourself and you be the judge.

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.

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!

Cannot understand the bad reviews. This is a beautiful movie about the conflict between impulse and addiction versus the struggle for redemption.

Yes, the dialogue isn't always strong, but the visual storytelling more than compensates. The cinematography beautifully captures the sense of melancholy and disorientation the character is going through.

Don't expect to be narrated every thing, meet the movie on its own terms, don't ignore the context laid in the background - after all the movie takes place during the Hungry Ghost Festival - and you will enjoy it.

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.