Robert Rodriguez & Frank Miller

****
4/5

Frank Miller's neo-noir comic book comes to spectacular life here, meticulously re-creating three interlinked stories. In each segment, cops, criminals and femmes fatales collide in love, lust or gory conflict. Bruce Willis brings poignancy as the disgraced ex-cop shielding dancer Jessica Alba, while tough guy Clive Owen's brutal clash with rival suitor Benicio Del Toro adds a streak of gallows humour. However, Mickey Rourke steals the show, playing a soft-hearted ex-con out to avenge his sweetheart's murder. Stylistically the movie is a masterpiece, with it's astonishing visuals papering over repetitious plot and corny dialogue. This directoral collaboration with Robert Rodriguez (with Quentin Tarantino as 'Guest Director') is not for every taste but genre fans will be blown away.
 

(2005)   
US   B/W & Colour    124 mins