Le tigre

The interesting thing about Swayze is that he "did" this movie... more or less after Dirty Dancing. After the success of Dirty Dancing Swayze could've done anything - instead he decides to tell the simple and sad tale of one families personal tragic past.

A big career mistake? I don't think so, this is a fine movie and a fine vehicle for Swayze to explore his talent. In all fields this film has strength... the acting and cast are rock solid... the location work is fabulous and the story, although tame compared to todays standards still hits the target solidly. The only thing that shows through in parts is the budget is lacking. Swayze does well as the out casted son weaving his sentimental spell as the movie unfolds its mystery. The simple sense of futility and overwhelming sadness in this film is all due to Swayze acting his part so well.

Sure this is not a blockbuster - and on it's budget it wasn't supposed to be, but as entertainment value (which is what movies are all about) this is a fine piece of work. Watch it!

I am biased towards this title -- I live in the town it was filmed in. In fact, my street was actually shown in it but, that aside, this movie is very weird. It is unlikely that the events that take place in it would ever happen. The people are just, basically going through the motions. The acting is not that great considering the fine actors that appear in it (i.e. Patrick Swayze, Piper Laurie, Mary McDonnell, Barbara Williams.) I suggest this film for it's location. Sharon, Pennsylvania is a typical steel town and the director, Amin Chaudri captured the rustic images quite well. In fact, many of the location shots seem to be done just to showcase the area. See this movie if you have nothing better to do.

Director Chaudhri's foreign birth comes through loud and clear in this mess of a movie. Swayze's Tiger Warsaw has supposedly done something so terrible it has turned his entire family against him, but it's never made clear exactly what this horrible deed was. Peeping Tom, maybe? When he meets up with an old hometown buddy their reaction to each other can only be described as homosexual, but nothing further in that direction develops. There is also another odd and brief scene in a bar where he is accosted by another old classmate who is now a cross-dresser. I can only assume this kind of stuff has some meaning in India or Pakistan, but it makes no sense in an American movie. Which is obviously what the studio thought since they premiered it outside of the USA. The only good things about the movie are the cool motorcycle jacket Swayze wears throughout, and the bitchin' '68 black Road Runner he drives.

It's hard to honestly express the virtues of a film that is generally regarded as sub-par without going too far in the other direction. It's not that "Tiger Warsaw" is a complete success, indeed, there are many things that just don't quite work. Patrick Swayze, though his top billing is certainly the only reason this film has reached its relatively small audience, never quite fills out his character believably. That, and the somewhat low key feeling of the overall production, serves to play against the very same things that most potential viewers are looking for.

But there are very many good points. This is an exceptionally beautiful film to look at. Robert Draper's cinematography is cold, aching, with a powerful understanding of light. These scenes feel like real life of the kind we all know, not some imitation or expression of style. The director, Amin Q. Chaudhri (who made the similarly quiet drama "An Unremarkable Life" the following year), pulls back from his actors in the best possible way, observing their simple actions rather than trying to be over-dramatic. The story is well-realized in execution, but not entirely well-written. Roy London has a certain understanding of dialogue and character that is evident, but his plotting leaves something to be desired. There are avenues taken that seem unlikely, and others left untouched that could have been effectively explored.

But this is a real film. There's no over-acting, no showing off. There's a lot of humanity, and some heartbreaking performances. Piper Laurie is incredibly human, fully alive in her role. She might be remembered for more extreme roles like in "Carrie", but it's films like "Rising Son" and this production that show her depth.

I recommend this for its visual beauty, and its quiet understanding.

A lot of people didn't enjoy this, but I did. It shows a real life situation that can & does happen in any Family. Hardly any sex, swearing, drug takihg & no violence. Give it a go & have a watch if you haven't seen it. Patrick has done a lot better but when he shows his sensitive side I think he is a much better actor.