Review of Pusher II (2004) by Xgary X — 21 Mar 2010

After quite enjoying the first one, I was intrigued in the second installment of Nicolas Winding Refn's Pusher Trilogy. However, volume 2 is a much better film. It is just as relentless as the first, yet it has more of a message and outlook on just how you could royally mess up your life.

The second Pusher film follows Tonny, who had a part in the first film as Frank's best buddy. Following the events of the first film (probably years later, it is never specified), Tonny is released from a prison sentence and tries to return to work for his father The Duke. His life is not quite back on track just yet as he continues to get into drug related incidents and life choices that will govern whether Tonny will make it out of his past alive or not.

The pacing is very similar to the first installment. Bad things happen and they kinda keep on happening, however, unlike the first film, there is an abundance of good as well. Tonny, unlike Frank, is a more sensitive character and the introduction of his newborn son into the mix casts a new light on his previous life. We can see the change. Whereas Frank was just an angry and impossible man, Tonny wants change. At first he tries this with his criminal father, which doesn't work out, then with his junkie girlfriend, who is far from mother of the year. It all starts to really come crashing down when his friend (known as The Cunt), in a paranoid act of confusion, flushes down $15,000 worth of drugs bought by a pusher. The debt starts to pile high and now Tonny, just because he was present at the deal, is also called upon to pay the debt.

At first Tonny is a prick. He is selfish, stubborn and generally unlikable. This is where Refn's movie shines. You start to see the change in him and wish for Tonny to get back on track. Only this time, it is the supporting characters who are lowlife scum. Especially in the roles of The Duke and Charlotte, Tonny's girlfriend. These far from appealing characters present a side of the drug world that personally affects many. Their consorts are hookers, criminals, drug dealers, junkies and strippers. It seems like there is no one innocent in this business and it is just one downward spiral to the bottom for many. We as an audience, and Tonny, can see this. Which is interesting in contrast toward the first Pusher film, where the supporting characters (for the most part) are trying to help.

There are a few references to the first film as well: Tonny still has a scar on his head from his fateful final encounter with Frank, Milo, the Croatian crime boss from the first film, makes an appearance, even grilling Tonny a little bit to see what's up with Frank, and there is Tonny himself who is a little bit less of the joker he was in the first film, but still has his racy sense of humor.

If you had problems with the pacing and style of the first film, you may not enjoy this one. However, the story is much better and it is not just about a bad man trying to get himself out of his own mess. This one is about a bad man who finally realizes he needs to be good and what he must sacrifice to gain his freedom.