Review of Pentathlon (1994) by Arran C — 19 Apr 2011

There is an intimate TV feel to this movie (and that's not a bad thing), which shows the escape, decline into drink and comeback of an East German refugee athlete played by Lundgren. Hot in his heels is his trainer from his youth played by Soul. Roger E. Mosley steals the show as his employer and volunteer personal trainer, but Lundgren also puts in a good performance. Some of the situations feel a little contrived, and one feels slightly shut in by whatever point the director is trying to make, rather than letting the characters truly breathe.

Nevertheless, an enjoyable and refreshingly different film for those who would rather watch a fairly well made, but original story instead of a beautifully made but totally predictable blockbuster. It definitely has its moments, and it is interesting enough to give you pause for thought afterwards.