kobsidian

I came so close to passing on this, because of the low rating, and because I thought it would be a typical 'tough guy kicks much ass' bullets and blood fest.

It only took about ten minutes to see that the creators were looking to clear a higher bar. I'm convinced that the low ranking was because it lacks the non-stop carnage and bad-assing that we've come to expect from past-their-prime, action movie stars, and so disappointed the knob-heads looking for nothing more.

This film is more like a Shakespearian tragedy, following Liam Neeson's protagonist as he reckons with where his life has brought him to, and attempts to go out with a modicum of self-respect.

We viewers know that this journey "can't end well" - as he says to a passing love interest. But it takes some true-to-character, well conceived and well presented - if predictable - turns along the way.

Neeson is as relatable as always, and the supporting cast holds up well, and the film is well-produced. And while this isn't a full-out actioner, there's enough of a body count to satisfy all but the most blood-thirsty appetites.

Give it 15 before you write this one off!

I was blown away by this film. I consider it to be one of Ridley Scott's very Best. My reaction has much to do with the fact that this film did so poorly when released, and got no major award nominations that I'm aware of. But in my opinion, it's a more deeply engaging, more relevant and insightful film than Gladiator, which won 5 Oscars in its year, including Best Picture.

To be highly commended are Matt Damon and Ben Affleck, who co-wrote this, along with Nicole Holofcener, whom they apparently called in to supply a female perspective.

This film is much like Akira Kurosawa's Rashomon in both structure and content, offering different perspectives on truth. And, like that other classic, it invites viewers to look more deeply into the nature and motivations of the characters.

The acting is outstanding, especially by Comer. And the sets, make-up and battle choreography are all top notch!

Don't pass on this!

What a great film to have stumbled upon!

Low key, no guns, no sex. Just people muddling through life and revealing bits of their humanity to one another.

This is Harvey Keitel at his best. The rest of the cast is fine, too. Especially good to see Harold Perrineau in an early role.

The last bit, with Keitel sharing his Christmas story with Hurt is absolutely wonderful.

I must applaud Paul Auster for writing this. It moves me to find a novel of his to read. (I've read one, which I liked, but not so much as I enjoyed this).

And kudos to Wayne Wang, for the naturalistic look of the film, and for showing this understated side of New York. It brought back pleasant memories of the workaday, grungy city of streets. '