Toro

Different countries have their own take on gangster movies. This Spanish version is gritty and engaging. Toro's angst as he tries to rebuild his life resonates with the viewer. The intensity of Mario Casas' portrayal reminds one of Keano Reeves' John Wick. But Luis Tosar, Jose Sacristan and even Jose Manuel Poga lend vital support to a memorable film.

It speaks to the viewer of what family is and isn't about. Loved ones come first and foremost when they suffer at the hands of others.

Dialogue is crisp and direct. The action sequences are convincing, and the cinematography gives us glimpses of popular Malaga on the Spanish Riviera.

The movie centers around a young enforcer, Toro, and his brothers, working for a big- time kingpin. He wants to get out, and go straight, but things won't be so easy. Adding an element of what feels like Shakespeare to the storyline, it turns out the kingpin has an interest in prophecy, and gets his Tarot cards read in the opening scene. What the cards tell him makes him nervous. The young enforcer agrees to one final job - more of a little vandalism operation against a restaurateur who is not using the kingpin's shrimps (No spoilers here, this all happens before the opening credits) Things get a little crazy and lot more violent as the movie progresses. Toro begins to reveal his Jason Bourne fighting skills in moments where it is best to suspend any disbelief, both at his abilities and his choices. Some nice cinematography and action sequences throughout. Things get a little more bizarre than the usual Mafia flick, as the kingpin is into both prophecy and Christian occultism, leading to stuff you want to keep your children far away from.

This film had lots of potential but unfortunately it looks more like tacky Bollywood revenge film with similar cheap theatrics and the musical score is terrible.

The actors did their best with this stupid script and the 3rd act is by far the worst. A 150 meter knife death thriw is hilarious even John Woo wouldn't try such a feat.

No spoilers but if your girlfriend eyes are removed and she is at a hospital and you have a huge gut wound maybe checking yourself in also would be one option by the writers instead of a western like ending of walking to the prison half dead.

Moral of the story - don't trust silly card readers or your greedy selfish brother and live happily ever after.

4 stars for the Costa del Sol locations and action scenes.

REVIEW -TORO

Spanish crime thriller so be prepared for subtitles but....

A sort of low key John Wick crossed with Transported as a young thug tries to leave the Spanish mafia by going straight and becoming a taxi driver but events caused by his brother send him on a path that culminaits into a good film, not the best but with enough to keep you watching until the end.

Some parts of the film I've never seen in a film before so in parts was original but in others predictable.

Not as action packed as John Wick because in this film you actually get to know and care what happens to Toro and because of this I certainly enjoyed this Spanish film.

Worth a watch if you enjoy good characters and a story, if you can find it that is.

Rating 7 out of 10

Incredibly suspenseful and fresh action movie and a gripping revenge tale.Some great performances and a strong script are complimented with amazing visuals, some cool setpieces and good (and occasionally great) acting.

A must watch!

Liked: -cinematography, photography, locations -Luis Tosar's acting -the story -the tempo

Disliked: -the believability (some "superman" fight scenes)

9.5