Triple 9 is a worthy modern day crime drama with an always interesting premise of corrupt cops strong-armed by mobsters to do the unthinkable. Under John Hillcoat's direction, the film's backdrop is grim & punishing, in tune with its themes where morals are an afterthought & survival comes bleak. The resulting events & action are absolutely well shot, unexpectedly visually creative, brutal, and best of all, authentic as hell, accounting for the film's best & most heart-racing moments. The violence & brooding suspense is held together by a score (& well placed absence of it) that amps the danger as one that lurks around the corner till it explodes to guns blazing chaos.
As for our leads, the characters & the ensemble cast behind them are another bright spots of the film. Props to Chiwetel Ejiofor, who's anguished persona was the best he has ever been. Anthony Mackie & Clifton Collins Jr were standouts as well, with the former deftly portraying the street wise, money-grubbing not so finest, & the latter stealing scenes with his menacing dead eyes & boorish nature.
As for the film's weak points, though Kate Winslet conveys cold hearted bad assery, her Russian accent was flat out laughable, randomly vanishing & surfacing within the same spiel. The narrative is as well too convoluted for its own good, rendering the final acts as one gigantic head scratching plot hole.
Overall, while Triple 9's shortcomings hinder the film from being great, the perfectly executed action & the excellence of its ensemble ensures a solid watch.
