The Pledge
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Movie Reviews of The Pledge
Movie Review: Wonderful study of a disintegrating man
Summary: 5 Stars
Jack Nicholson plays Jerry Black, a retiring detective who, perhaps foolishly, solemnly vows to find the killer of a murdered child. He sacrifices his retirement and the respect of his peers to keeping this pledge, and as we follow him in his quest the story becomes less about solving a mystery and more about the degenerative effects of obsession - in particular, how the desire to do good can drive us to destructive, immoral ends. Penn has assembled an impressive cast for this film, which is easily the best of the three he's directed. The calibre of the ensemble is at moments distracting, but there's no doubting the skill they bring to their roles, e.g. Nicholson's scene with Helen Mirren as a psychiatrist is exceptionally written and performed. This film isn't for everyone. Those looking for an exciting cop-thriller or a tale of redemption should look elsewhere. This is a slow-burning psychological drama which, though suspenseful at times, unfolds with a tragic inevitability essential to its theme. Penn is developing into a great director. His preference for foregrounding performance, which threatened to undo his early films, is more controlled here and is aided by an economical screenplay. Just as in his acting career, he continues to go from strength to strength.Movie Review: Potent drama!
Summary: 5 Stars
If you look inside through the dramatic core of this play, you will find a heartfelt homage to Rashomon: that glorious masterpiece of Akira Kurosawa.
Penn built a simple story in a forgotten town, and deals with an old retired policeman with serious problems with the drink, who will be involved for a child's brutal murder.
He will investigate this case till its last consequences, but the fate will make its bitter appearance to eliminate his brilliant deduction, leaving him with the infinite doubt and giving the most of people (the reason?) that proved once more he was not the most indicate man to resolve this murder.
As you see the concept of the truth appears in all its nakedness: it is an elusive idea that it makes us feel safe. The whole truth simply doesn't exist. We just are able to see part of it: and that's all. But this word has such hypnotic power, and fascinating charm, that seduces the mass since the dawn of the mankind. How many times have you read: The truth will make you free? Which truth? yours, mine, of my neighbor's one?
Ironic, sharp and bitter story. One of the most intelligent films of that year, not for great audiences.
Mesmerizing performance of Nicholson and excellent work behind the camera by Penn.
Movie Review: A true gem in a long list of Lackluster movies
Summary: 5 Stars
In January, 2001, some had grown tired of the pitiful attempts at cinematics which had found itself present in the vast majority of films released in the final quarter of 2000. And then "The Pledge," came along. The movie, which stars Jack Nicholson (and features appearences by Benicio del Toro and Robin Wright Penn), is, quite simply, the most amazing work of genius I've ever seen. Its avant-garde shades of depression and a growing insanity hold the viewer tight for the entire film. Sean Penn (as director), bravely paints his picture using the most glowing and irredescent shades of emotion that have ever been put on film. Several parts in the film (including the aptly titled "Gone Fishin'" scene) have imagery that is so beatiful and free it brings a tear to one's eye. To go along with this amazing work of art comes another: the sountrack. It is graced with the hands of Wazimbo, an African trance-music god (composing the films greatest song, "Nwahulwana.) The verdict: Truly the absolute greatest movie ever made by man, showing the contrast of happiness that grows to the insecurities of onesself, dealing with his promise to Mrs. Larsen that he will find her missing daughter.Movie Review: Nicholson's Last Great Dramatic Role
Summary: 5 Stars
While The Pledge will never be included in anyone's list of favorite Jack Nicholson movies. It is none the less a finely crafted film, with great performances by Patricia Clarkson, Benicio Del Toro, Dale Dickey and of course Jack Nicholson. Kudos to Sean Penn for delivering this psychological thriller with such clearity and suspense. There's an erie undercurrent of mystery and intrigue throughout the movie that leaves one feeling unsettled right to the very end.
Having recently made several light comedies, (As Good As It Gets, About Schmidt and Somethings Gotta Give) all very good movies, Nicholson has had few dramatic roles of late that can compare with the great perfomances he gave us from Five Easy Pieces (1970) to A Few Good Men (1992). The Pledge (2001) is, in my opinion the last truly great dramatic performance he has done. While I'm certainly not writing him off, I sincerely hope Jack can find several more roles that challange his formitable skills at delivering rivoting and compelling dramatic performances. Until then The Pledge remains a latter day masterpiece by the single greatest actor of his generation.
Movie Review: Wonderful1
Summary: 5 Stars
I have seen a string of lousy movies over the past months... some Oscar-winning movies, not of which left me with anything; and many I cannot even remember. I knew nothing about The Pledge before I saw it, the best way to see a movie. It grabbed me from the beginning. Sean Penn deserves cudos for taking on this existential story, and develop it into a visually beautiful, totally believable film. Nicholson's portrayal of this sympathetic character, going deeper and deeper into his quest of honoring a promise kept the film going. And the sprinkling of jewel-like cameo performances seemed like Penn's gifts to the viewer, which also kept the film going...giving us just enough of Benicio Del Toro, Vanessa Redgrave, Mickey Rourke, Harry Dean Stanton, etc. I am still thinking about The Pledge. It was as if Fate was a main character. I think it's the puzzling endings that keep you thinking. And I think many of life's experiences have the same unresolved endings. Too many movies pander to the audience's need to the neat, pat conclusion, when in reality, life is not like that.