Review of Bringing Out the Dead (1999) by Honor M — 01 Nov 2012

An emotionally realized tale of finding purpose and ultimately forgiving oneself, the film captures the view of a psychologically troubled man in Scorsese's unique visual style. Nicolas Cage gives a sincere and gripping lead performance, followed by a strong supporting cast.

Frank Pierce is an ambulance driver who is disturbed by the spirits of those he lost while going about his job that he desperately wants to quit. The scope of his mind, which travels to many places in inner-city Manhattan full of lost and restless souls, is captured in bright and occasionally blurry and misty colors that are both effective and captivating.

Through helping those in need, he eventually finds a reason to go on and lays the ghosts in his head to rest.