paulo1b

I admit, there are a lot of flaws in that movie, it's a bit clumsy (special effects are one example, especially near the end) and the acting is not exactly top notch. Yet it kind of works, the more you slip in, the more you get caught in this fury of blood. One major obstacle at the beginning, to me, was the yet to be born child, and his mother's pregnancy. Personal reluctance, nothing more. There is also this french atmosphere that may repel some of the viewers, that could explain a lot of the very nasty reviews I've read. It certainly doesn't deserve a 10, but it's a convincing effort to me. I recommend Martyrs, which is way more elaborate.

Don't misunderstand me. I liked the movie.

At first I was disappointed. I was mostly examining the flaws in the acting , the poverty of dialogues etc. And then, I don't know how, I was enjoying the film very much.

The way I see it, Poelvoorde's evolution in cinema is always aiming to get closer and closer to the poor simple guy, struggling to get a sense to his life. In that one we have three. Two are best friends, the third is Gus' wife. I won't spoil the story since I think it deserves to be seen, but they managed to give a true picture of very particular yet totally second-rate lives.

Despite the apparent poverty of the situation (except in Gus' dreams), there's a lot going on, many clichés and references to Tarantino's movie making as well. And Van Damme is perfect: a counsellor for a dumb clueless guy who thinks he's the best karateka in the world. I think he's got his place there too.

Pretty hard to get a clear opinion on this, there's a lot of mixed messages ... Once again I won't recommend it for people used to mainstream movies.

I gave it 8 out of 10

Well, this movie I enjoyed very much. To answer to those complaining about the slow pace: you're right. That's what's different and pretty nice in my opinion. For instance that moment when Ash is slicing a cabbage, cooking in her apartment. Boy! What a slow yet intense moment. Nothing to "see" but how much to feel. I'd say i like John Wo's movies too you know, but this style is the opposite, and better i think if a comparison can be made.

You might think i'm a weirdo but next time you see it try to focus on the apparent emptyness of some of the scenes ... like the one in the subway ... i hope you'll see what i mean.