Ballad of a Small Player

Ballad of a Small Player is a visually hypnotic tale of addiction, alienation, and redemption. Directed by Edward Berger and starring Colin Farrell, it follows a self-styled British gambler spiraling through Macau's neon-lit casinos. The film's fusion of noir, psychological drama, and spiritual allegory turns the city itself into a haunting character. Farrell gives a magnetic performance, both desperate and dignified, embodying a "hungry ghost" consumed by endless desire. I enjoyed the story's atmosphere and Farrell's depth, though the side characters, especially Dao Ming, could have been more developed to balance his journey. While the plot leaves redemption ambiguous, the film's mood, visuals, and themes of cultural dislocation and craving make it a beautifully crafted exploration of loss and longing-less about winning and more about what's left when the gamble ends.

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.

Loved the performances in this movie. The setting was perfect. Macau is beautifully depicted, not just as a backdrop but as part of the story itself. Well acted and filmed, with Colin Farrell and Fala Chen bringing real depth to their characters. Some shots in the movie are really nice, capturing both the glamour and the loneliness of Doyle's world. I liked the story and message as well, about chance, redemption, and the people we meet along the way.

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.