Review of Blood Ties (2014) by Maksim B — 18 Apr 2014

An initially intriguing throwback to the NYC 70s, Blood Ties is a paper-thin crime drama which could be marked as completely forgettable and mediocre. Despite the solid performances and a promising story-line, the movie is an unsuccessful attempt for a periodic crime epic which is quickly forgotten short after the end of the final credits.

Set in New York City, in the 70s, Blood Ties is by no means a successful throwback to the period. Convincing cinematography and actors, slowed down pace and grime atmosphere ensure an excellent background for an epic crime story to be told. Two brothers, on the opposite sides, who have to take difficult decisions, face moral dilemmas and sometimes to be part of the brutal street violence of this period. All of that seems compelling and good enough to keep the audience pleased. Unfortunately, director Guillaume Canet is unable to blend all of this in a story that would thrill, engross the viewers and eventually make them really feel part of the conflict between Chris (Cliwe Owen) and Frank ( Bill Crudup).

The overall story development is not bad at all. The main issue is that its predictability, lack of suspense and originality. What makes things worse is that compared to the original French delivery (Blood Ties is a remake) Les liens du sang, Canet's version is nowhere near the level of Les liens du sang. Fans of the genre and the 70s who have not seen the original might actually be satisfied with Blood Ties, but in my case I was simple floating with the story. Two weeks after seeing the movie, I was barely able to remember what it was about. Simply because it failed to impress and I was even unable to relate it to Les liens du sang.

In conclusion, if you are searching for a periodic crime drama, you could give it a try. However, bear in mind that Blood Ties is one of those movies which are only suitable to kill some free time. You would barely remember anything about it short after seeing it .