When Stanley, a man with a passion for boxing has a chance encounter (or maybe not so chance encounter) with a dodgy looking stranger outside the gymnasium we know things arent going to go to well for Stanley. Never talk to strangers we are told as children and if only Stanley had listened. The stranger offers Stanley a specially produced steroid that will keep him sharp and improve his life as we as his boxing., Stanley does what we know he shouldn't and he accepts the offer and soon finds himself drawn into the ever more violent operations of a powerful organization (think the creepy looking people from The X Files, but without the science fiction elements) ,and unwittingly enters into a series of tests designed to prove his mettle. Kaufmans Game is a beautifully filmed story and with sort of European feel to it that throws you off a little but keeps you hooked to find out what is going on and what will happen to poor old Stanley.
There is a creepy shadowy feel to Kaufmans Game and everyone seems to talk in a somewhat slow, deliberate manner which can be a bit unnerving to the viewer (well it was to me)but this is part of the style that I loved about the story Kaufmans Game is the latest film that I watched, and then I couldnt shake off for several days but I love that about movies. Theres nothing worse than a forgettable movie and Kaufmans Game certainly isnt that, plus the addition of yet another wonderful score from one of my favourite musicians, composer Philippe Jakko (Allies) which makes the feel more attractive and watchable, there is a lot to love about Kaufmans Game even if at times, you arent sure what the hell is going on with poor old Stanley (wonderfully played by Jye Frasca)
Writer-Director Helier Bissell-Thomas has put together one of the most unique films Ive seen this year and I thank him (and the crew) for that. Im sure that I will be thinking about Kaufmans Game for a long time to come. Check the film out when you can.
