Review of Byzantium (2013) by Kilo D — 30 Oct 2013
"Byzantium" has more heart, gore, and style than one would expect; however, it is a Neil Jordan movie so if one is expecting the story to lag in some places, they wouldn't be wrong. Nevertheless, it's rare that we get a gothic tale (at all, really) on a large scale, with lush sets and costumes meshed with awe-amazing cinematography, a good story, characters we like even in their wickedness or pitifulness--"Byzantium" is a hypnotizing, vivid ride with pacing issues in its third act but that shouldn't diminish the quality of this tale.
The acting by Saoirse Ronan (Eleanor = vampire Ginger Snaps in looks, Ginger's sister in personality? Hard to overlook that one) and Gemma Arterton carry the film with the help of the equally talented Caleb Jones.
Not to be missed--even twi-hards will find romance here, thankfully it's not smothering--even if one puts off watching it for months due to preconceived notions of what "Byzantium" is-- it's not what one is expecting save the Jordan trademarks.
This review of Byzantium (2013) was written by Kilo D on 30 Oct 2013.
Byzantium has generally received positive reviews.
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