City of Ghosts
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Movie Reviews of City of Ghosts
Movie Review: An Excellent Film, But Not For Everyone: Underrated!
Summary: 5 Stars
"City of Ghosts" is a very good film. It is much better than I was led to believe from so many other people I know who viewed the film. More importantly however, is that this film is from first-time director and star Matt Dillon. Jimmy (Matt Dillon) is a con man who hurriedly travels to Cambodia. He does so because he and his elusive partner Marvin (James Caan) have just swindled money from the insurance company they run. With disaster claims piling up, and the U.S. law enforcement agents hot on his heels, he decides it is better to seek out his partner and collect his share of the money while he can. However, Jimmy is in for more than he expected. [Guess he never watched "The Killing Fields"].
Cambodia is shown in all its squalor; and the hardships of life the people must endure in order to survive in this very poor country are not lost on the viewer. There is an odd assortment of foreigners in the country that Jimmy meets while staying in a Hotel; which was once in its more glorious times, under French occupation, a high class place. But Cambodia has fallen on very hard times for many years now, and the ameneties we take for granted are not to be found here. Emile (Gerard Depardieu) runs the hotel, and he is a very quirky man by nature. However, it is the character of Joseph Kaspar (Stellan Skarsgard) whom Jimmy meets and strikes up a semi-friendship with that is the center of the story.
There is more to Kaspar and Jimmy's partner Marvin, than Jimmy realizes. And it is here that Jimmy confronts a lesson in life he will soon not forget. One of the mains reasons I liked this film was the countryside and the Cambodian people themselves shown in the film. And also the way in which the conditions of Cambodia were shown. No need for special effects here. You get everything: from the feel of the people, the nature of corruption, and hardship that life in Cambodia must be like. Moreover, after viewing the film I was impressed with how a first-time director was able to pull off such a difficult feat.
Matt Dillon was able to shoot this film in Cambodia and did so in a very touching way. The music is haunting, as is the picture, and I left the theatre afterwards with a feeling of sadness. Afterall, this is Cambodia were talking about. The country is as chaotic today, as it was in the past. Albeit not to the same extremes as Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, which tore the country apart. Nonetheless, the difficulties must have been tremendous. And for a first time director, Dillon pulled it off wonderfully. I recommend the film with caution, it may not appeal to all viewers, however, I thought the film was great.
Movie Review: TYPICAL 40'S SCREENPLAY
Summary: 5 Stars
The story goes that previews of High Noon showed it to be just another Western which would make a go of it only on Gary Coopers indelible character. Then they got themselves a score and made it a classic film. Well, City of Ghosts is a distance away from classic status but, still and all, it is one very entertaining film. Sure, I didn't always know who was who and what they were doing; but, the pacing, the music and the great Thai setting, unified the film so that little obstructions such as not knowing just what was happening and why, were just part of the show. To the director and co-author, Matt Dillon deserves a good deal of credit. The actor, Matt Dillon, supported by a fine, almost unmannered performance by James Caan, lead a cast of mixed nationality unified by talent, to produce a gratifying outcome. Of course, if ambiguity of plot and oddity of many characters are not to your taste, this is not for you.Movie Review: Great Movie!
Summary: 5 Stars
Its a shame when I don't see a movie for quite a while just because it doesn't get the respect it deserves. This is a great crime drama. Its no soft drama either, it will keep other types of viewers interested as well. A story about a group of individuals connected only through their criminal activities can only turn out violent. Just the amount of distrust being spread around is entertaining enough.
Of course there is one true friendship which developes and is quite endearing throughout the movie. Sort of a guardian angel type of relationship that feels rewarding amongst all the deceit.
And the locations are perfect, there couldn't have been a better place to have this story take place. Its like the frosting on the cake. You will want to see how it all comes together and who survives. Buy this movie, support well made films not just the ones Hollywood blows out it's arse.
Movie Review: How did I miss it in the theatres
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought this movie was excellant. I did not see it at any theatres in Florida but after renting it at Blockbuster I bought two copies, one for my girl friend and one for her daughter. I thought it was that good!
The plot and the action were fantasitc. I found out that this was Matt Dillon's first crack at directing. He did a wonderful job and he clearly falls in to the catagory of "great directors" and not just a pretty face any longer. I loved it!
Movie Review: very impressive!!!
Summary: 5 Stars
Matt Dillon directed this film... his first. Very impressive! The choices across the board are perfect, and the score by Tyler Bates... well done. I too cannot figure out how I missed this!