IMDb RATING
6.2/10
5.9K
YOUR RATING
In 1989, a Canadian journalist investigates the circumstances surrounding the suspicious arrest of a heroin addict imprisoned in a Thai jail.In 1989, a Canadian journalist investigates the circumstances surrounding the suspicious arrest of a heroin addict imprisoned in a Thai jail.In 1989, a Canadian journalist investigates the circumstances surrounding the suspicious arrest of a heroin addict imprisoned in a Thai jail.
- Awards
- 12 nominations total
J.C. MacKenzie
- Arthur
- (as JC Mackenzie)
Pierre Leblanc
- Randy Brown
- (as Pierre LeBlanc)
- Director
- Writer
- All cast & crew
- Production, box office & more at IMDbPro
Featured reviews
This was an alright biographic movie with elements of crime and thriller added. The cast did well portraying the characters. Josh Hartnett playing victor was a good choice in my opinion as well. But aside from everything else seeming ok the movie itself just felt disconnected, the way the sections were added almost didn't create a liner story and as I watched, I wondered why they were doing this and why he was there and such. Overall a good biographical movie, it could've just been a better approach to it.
May not have the grip of a massive Hollywood thriller but it isn't far off. Engaging and well worth a watch. A solid 8 out 10.
Well worth a watch! A credible account that was well depicted.
I can't speak for 80's Canada but it got 80's Thailand spot on. DEA and British customs were very active in Thailand at that time. They pressured the Thai police which,in turn, vigorously targeted foreigners, escalating the severity of relatively minor drug offences, and if they didn't have the funds to buy their way out of trouble, in they went. To divert attention from the real ( protected) players, to satisfy visable Thai compliance, to deter chancers and newcomers but predominantly to bolster publicity for Reagan and Bush's, well funded and highly lucrative "just say no! " "war on drugs."
There from 84 to 92. The film brought back a lot of memories, not least those shackles that Justin Jackson mentions in his review. I'd forgotten the peeling blue/green paint that was everywhere. The prison population seemed authentic apart from a lack locked up foreigners (among other nationalities lots of Nigerian mules were convicted around that time) the film depicts the situation and era very well.
I can't speak for 80's Canada but it got 80's Thailand spot on. DEA and British customs were very active in Thailand at that time. They pressured the Thai police which,in turn, vigorously targeted foreigners, escalating the severity of relatively minor drug offences, and if they didn't have the funds to buy their way out of trouble, in they went. To divert attention from the real ( protected) players, to satisfy visable Thai compliance, to deter chancers and newcomers but predominantly to bolster publicity for Reagan and Bush's, well funded and highly lucrative "just say no! " "war on drugs."
There from 84 to 92. The film brought back a lot of memories, not least those shackles that Justin Jackson mentions in his review. I'd forgotten the peeling blue/green paint that was everywhere. The prison population seemed authentic apart from a lack locked up foreigners (among other nationalities lots of Nigerian mules were convicted around that time) the film depicts the situation and era very well.
Is it me or are TV series now simply better than 90% of movies now? I had fairly high hopes for this movie despite what sounded like a cliche premise, but keeping in mind that it was based on a true story. The storyline bounces around all over the place and at every turn, you can guess what happens next. The renegade reporter, the frustrated editor, the typical drug dealer and 'protege,' the immediate love interest, the stereotypical cops with no layers, and the corrupt government officials. We've seen it a million times, but sometimes it's worth watching again if done right (City on a Hill). This movie fails miserably and I struggled to get through the first hour. It's as if producers, directors, and writers are sitting in a movie sweatshop (Thailand in this case) trying to pump out as many movies as possible. Then they are completely baffled as to why no one wants to go to the theatre and spend $50.
There is zero character development and the acting is mediocre at best. Antoine Pilon keeps it interesting and Jim Gaffigan tries hard (and fails miserably), but this is a movie you should wait to see for free on a winter afternoon if the football is cancelled because of COVID. Thankfully, Amazon Prime had it as a special for $2.99 and I can see why. Does my review contain spoilers? Absolutely not because there is zero intrigue with this diluted and discombobulated disaster of a movie.
There is zero character development and the acting is mediocre at best. Antoine Pilon keeps it interesting and Jim Gaffigan tries hard (and fails miserably), but this is a movie you should wait to see for free on a winter afternoon if the football is cancelled because of COVID. Thankfully, Amazon Prime had it as a special for $2.99 and I can see why. Does my review contain spoilers? Absolutely not because there is zero intrigue with this diluted and discombobulated disaster of a movie.
"Target Number One" is a well directed, well acted and compelling Canadian film that everyone should see.
.
In this drama based on a true story, a Canadian journalist investigates the circumstances surrounding the suspicious arrest of a heroin addict imprisoned in a Thai jail.
.
Well crafted and unafraid of telling the true story; "Target Number One" dives deep into a frustratingly un-Canadian crime story and really delivers. This is the first Canadian film to be released since Covid-19 hit and it truly is a really good film to kick it off. Josh Hartnett gives probably the performance of his career and Antoine Olivier Pilon is exceptional. The film is never boring nor does it lag, it's the perfect length and pace and I really enjoyed it.
.
Did you know
- TriviaBased on Victor Malarek's story of Alain Olivier's wrongful imprisonment in Bangkok.
- GoofsAir Canada A330-300 airplane is seen flying over Bangkok. The silver-blue livery wasn't introduced until 2004. Air Canada didn't acquire Airbus A330-300 until 1999. Otherwise, the airplane should be either Boeing 747-100/747-200 or 767-200/767-300ER with thick red cheat lines along fuselage and white maple leaf imposed on red tail.
- Quotes
Daniel Léger: How the hell are you gonna get ten kilos into the country? 'Cause my asshole doesn't stretch that much.
- How long is Most Wanted?Powered by Alexa
Details
Box office
- Gross US & Canada
- $138,000
- Gross worldwide
- $153,983
Contribute to this page
Suggest an edit or add missing content