A real hidden gem of a movie, lost amid the shuffle. Though it advertises itself as a crime/action flick, it is so much more that that. Deep down, the story is really a fairy tale, set amongst the horrors of modern metropolitans. Everything from pedophilia to torture is explored, standing in for the traditional evils of classic fantasy tales. The plot is quite complex, and probably requires repeat viewings to take it all in, and the dialogue is smart without being wordy, but the screenplay pales in comparison to the direction, which is outstanding. Nearly every shot is a treat, and the cinematography stands out to the point of showing off. Disturbing and intense, but never out of control.
Though it would be the most likely candidate for weak spot, the acting is surprisingly fantastic. Paul Walker, who I've never seen in a leading role before, but have always heard bad things, is great here. He really carries the film with his rapid-fire delivery of profanity-swelled lines, and he never slows down, because the film doesn't let him. The supporting cast is chock full of character actors, all of whom know exactly what to do, and up-and-comers, who quickly make a name for themselves. The characters are all slightly quirky but mostly believable; just modern updates of their archetypal counterparts. The scariest one - despite the amount of mob characters - is the female half of the pedophiliac couple - cold, evil, and creepy as hell. Indeed, the scenes with the couple are the scariest in the film, including a memorable scene with their shadows turning into monsters - an exceptional metaphor. It's too bad there weren't more of these visual hints in the film, save for the end credits, which are the best I've seen in some time. The entire metaphor is displayed right there.
The one weak spot would have to be the script. Though the film doesn't really rely on it, it is solid for most of the time, until the end, when the twist is revealed and renders the entire point of the film somewhat irrelevant. And then the ending is completely out there, but I suppose it fits in with the fairy tale metaphor. It could have been done a better way - it feels rushed (though most of the film is!) and hastily put together. Still, it's a minor complaint, and doesn't detract that much from the overall quality. An almost perfect film.
Though it would be the most likely candidate for weak spot, the acting is surprisingly fantastic. Paul Walker, who I've never seen in a leading role before, but have always heard bad things, is great here. He really carries the film with his rapid-fire delivery of profanity-swelled lines, and he never slows down, because the film doesn't let him. The supporting cast is chock full of character actors, all of whom know exactly what to do, and up-and-comers, who quickly make a name for themselves. The characters are all slightly quirky but mostly believable; just modern updates of their archetypal counterparts. The scariest one - despite the amount of mob characters - is the female half of the pedophiliac couple - cold, evil, and creepy as hell. Indeed, the scenes with the couple are the scariest in the film, including a memorable scene with their shadows turning into monsters - an exceptional metaphor. It's too bad there weren't more of these visual hints in the film, save for the end credits, which are the best I've seen in some time. The entire metaphor is displayed right there.
The one weak spot would have to be the script. Though the film doesn't really rely on it, it is solid for most of the time, until the end, when the twist is revealed and renders the entire point of the film somewhat irrelevant. And then the ending is completely out there, but I suppose it fits in with the fairy tale metaphor. It could have been done a better way - it feels rushed (though most of the film is!) and hastily put together. Still, it's a minor complaint, and doesn't detract that much from the overall quality. An almost perfect film.