d_sakaki

I was lucky enough to just catch a broadcast of "Highwaymen" on TV and even

with network "neutering," it was still something I couldn't take my eyes off. The eerie, mood-enducing opening, throwing a seemingly random mix of visuals to

start out the story really grabs you -- a lonely car on the open road, a skillful driver with an unknown sense of purpose, and then...a collection of prosthetic parts in his trunk. Very strange. So you're immediately hooked. Jim Caviezel

looks like the dark-haired twin of Ralph Fiennes and is wonderful as the

focused/obsessed hero, out for revenge for the death of his wife, murdered by a serial hit and run killer. Rhona Mitra is a fantastic female lead, caught up in the fury as the killer's escaped victim.

I think one of the best things about this film is that it's so clean and simple -- really lean storytelling, with no "fat". No overly maudlin side stories, no

screaming teenagers running in their underwear -- it's an grown-up suspense

movie that sometimes borders on the supernatural in its eerie moments. It

reminded me of "Seven," with its haunted sense of dread that permeated every

scene. "Highwaymen" doesn't have a specific place or time. The locations are nameless, merely backdrops for the story to really unfold and remain in focus. Without having a sense of place, it gives viewers an underlying sense of

discomfort -- almost feeling lost, that something like this could really happen to anyone, in any place.

The performances are really subtle and well-played. Caviezel and Mitra are

both gorgeous actors who carry off so much with a quiet expression. Caviezel is the strong, silent anti-hero, but doesn't pander to the audience's desire for a clean-cut good guy. His character is flawed, obsessed, and selfish, and yet,

within his obsession is the moral principle to do the right thing. He is

unapologetic and charismatic all at the same time. And a damn fine driver as

well. I was very pleased to see that Rhona Mitra wasn't stuck in a "save me!" victim role; her character has experienced traumas throughout her life, but

remained a strong survivor. You sympathize with her pain, but never think of her as completely helpless -- more like a cornered animal, waiting to attack.

I'm not talking about the killer because I don't want to spoil any of it -- the unfolding of his story is creepy and takes its time to reveal itself.

Definitely give this movie a try. It's not overly gross or gory. Just a really strong, solid suspense movie.

If you have cable and the SciFi Channel, you may have had the

pleasure of catching this little gem. I kept seeing it in parts and

even in the little snippets, it drew me in and had such a haunting

quality. It was on the other night and I just sat and watched it all the

way through and despite the fact that I'd seen some scenes

before, it still held such a wonderful presence. It's hard to really

describe the movie -- part love story, part fantasy, with a little bit of

the Big Question over exactly what the afterlife is. The

cinematography is absolutely picturesque, almost like watching a

Merchant Ivory production, but with a bit of fairy magic thrown in.

Ben Kingsley is an interesting addition to the cast. I wish there

was more characterization done on all the main roles. You get a

sense of where everyone comes from in terms of motivation, but

more background would have made for a richer film. The pace is

sometimes inconsistent, moving quickly in the beginning, then

slowing, then speeding up again. But the film's dry English wit

makes for enjoyable moments of irreverence. It's still just an

overall beautiful film. Very bittersweet and heartbreaking in

moments. The end is shot with such care and emotion. As

fantastic as the premise is, the heart of the movie is something

everyone can understand -- the loss of a loved one and the chance

to rekindle a spirit burdened with sorrow. A funny bit of irony -- the

actor who played Watson in the BBC Sherlock Holmes series is in

this movie and he plays (har har har) Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

I watched this with my boyfriend and we both thought it was

romantic... in a weird sort of way. It's really just an old fashioned

love story where boy meets girl and both have a shared affinity for

some kinky good-lovin'.

An interestingly told tale, it grabs you right from the beginning and

makes you want to keep watching to see where the characters go.

You're absolutely mesmerized by the transformation of Lee and Mr.

Grey -- great casting. I'm a huge James Spader fan and it seemed

like he really hit the jackpot with this truly unique character. It's not

some angry man/submissive woman story. Both characters have

an equal hold on one another and they both hold the power of

change over each other's lives. It's extraordinary to see the focus

and sense of power Lee has over her boss, even in her most

submissive poses. This movie has nothing to do with subverting

women or portraying men as physical monsters.

Love is everywhere. Even in the most unique people. I recommend

this movie to people willing to see a new twist on the old love story.

It's also quite funny and poignant; not gratuitous at all.