movies-by-db

After just seeing this film again (I guess the fourth time now), it still get's my eye's wet when John (George Dzundza) starts the eggs in the end.

This is an emotional roller-coaster of the likes we don't see served up anymore. Sure, some come close, but nothing compares. The meticulous, engaging and daring character development gives us a look into the lives of these everyday men and their loved ones. It makes the infamous "Russian Roulette" scene(s) so much more emotionally charged they are almost unbearable to watch.

Once every while I need to see this film and usually it completely messes up my day. I think about stuff I usually don't think about and get quiet. Then it takes a couple of days before I can see another film and no matter what I watch it's always slightly disappointing.

In my humble opinion, this is what movie-making is about. 10/10

What an awesome and engaging movie experience this is. It's not only a fine piece of storytelling, it's done with such superb style and aesthetic, not many films I've seen in this genre can rival it. The visual flair of a John Woo-, or Pang brothers movie mixed with intricate "Departed" like storytelling. It just oozes absolute cool. "Bangkok Dangerous"(the original) comes to mind and also "Fulltime Killer" by Johnnie To.

But it's so much more then that. Besides a complete aesthetic pleasure it brings a "true story" based yarn that is so unbelievably cool it has to be true. Portrayed amazingly by all involved but particularly by the aging hit-man and the young tenacious detective. You really need to keep your eyes and ears open as the story constantly switches sides, sometimes at break neck speeds, sometimes at a nail bitingly suspenseful snails pace, as it unfolds to a satisfying ending. I am not going to reveal any details, the synopsis should do just fine, just step in and take the ride.

Another thing that needs to be mentioned is the soundtrack. Really cool!! Maybe not always fitting the mood, but really modern classic cool.

It's a completely different film from the other recently released great Philipinne film "Metro manila" but it's at least as engrossing. I hope these two treasures are a sign of more to come from the Philipinnes for I will most definitely be waiting and watching 9/10

Wow, what a heartfelt, beautiful piece of film making. It starts of slightly confusing and I was somewhat afraid of a college thriller type thing, which it is thankfully not. Of course the comparisons with "Crash" come to mind, but to me this was even more effective and emotionally charged. Especially because of the story of the extremely troubled Kevin. On the other hand, his story might be the least believable to some viewers. He is fact the protagonist here, and his actions are what drive the entire story. His, and the divided Dre's failure to make his own decisions. And they are so extreme, that you dare not think people like Kevin actually exist.

Kevin is played very well by J. Michael Trautmann as is Dre by Evan Ross. Everyone for that matter is awesome in their roles, but I was particularly astonished (again) by the masterful David Oyelowo, who so convincingly pulls of the righteous black American neighborhood uncle I'd almost swear it was a lookalike actor playing the character.

I can't remember how I came across this, but I picked it up cheaply on Amazon and was pretty much engrossed till the last bitter minute. There's one thing I don't understand here. The rating... This deserves so much more, check it out and find out what I mean 8/10