rickyr83

I picked up this movie because I love Brazilian cinema and I am always on the lookout for good, new Brazilian movies. I read the reviews on this movie, with people raving about striking the film was and comparing it to "Cidade de Deus". In addition to that, looking at the film festival awards it won, I thought I'd made a good choice. Boy, did I turn out to be wrong.

This film is an unorganized, dysfunctional, fruitless mess. The story had potential. The idea of two men hiring a hit-man to take out their partner and then that hit-man turning around and forcing himself into their business, could've been interesting. It could've been played in a comedic way, or it could've been played in a threatening and frightening way.

Instead, the movie tries a little of both and succeeds at neither. At times the movie presents Miklos' character as someone who we should fear, other times he's seen as a joke, heckling the construction company's workers and bringing rappers into the office.

The only bright spot is that some of these actors give good performances. Marco Ricca as Ivan gives a great portrait of a man consumed by fear and guilt and we watch him spiral out of control. Although again, the movie flubs up his character, introducing us to his wife in the beginning, only to never show her again or really explain their marriage or why their relationship is so distant.

"Na Cidade Vazia" (Hollow City) effectively shows the destitution and the ruggedness of life in Luanda, Angola's capital. Our main character, N'Dala, is a wide-eyed, lost little boy in the big city, walking around with his "brinquedo" (toy) and meeting different characters. The premise isn't bad but it could be a little more interesting and better executed. At times the film just seems to drag with no purpose, rhyme or reason.

The side plot with the boy and the legend of the great Angolan warrior was a decent attempt at symbolism but it didn't pan out all the way. The ending is a bit unbelievable and off-beat as well.

The best thing about this film is that it shows the world Angola's small, but promising film industry. The country is one that has been torn apart by war and tragedy and there are plenty of stories to be told. I'm looking forward to Maria João Ganga's next film.

If you haven't seen the remake than this movie will probably be an even better experience for you. Honestly, I think people act real snobbishly not giving this film its dues simply because it's a remake.

Meryl Streep pulls off a great Hillary Clinton and Denzel plays the perfect crazy-yet-right man on the run. The movie teases you all along inserting small bits of comedy, great explosive scenes, some pretty cool murders, and a GOOD film about politics, with allusions to the aforementioned Clinton, Kerry, and Bush.

Definitely one of the best films of the summer. Certainly the most thoughtful.