Review of Ronin (1998) by Tony P — 02 Nov 2009
Unique in its near absence of moral question, Ronin explores the subversive world of international operatives without a homeland to fight for. DeNiro, I feel, is either lacking in stoicism or lacking in mystique in the role of Sam.
He's great as the fucking mad dog yelling and making Sean Bean piss himself, but as a high profile intelligence operative, subtle and cool, it's never clicked with me. The multi-cultural allure and striking demeanor of Jean Reno, however, is the ideal embodiment of a mercenary.
You can feel Mamet's uncredited rewrite in the razor sharp dialogue, particularly between DeNiro and Reno. Frankenheimer directs the intrigue with a seasoned grace, and unveils the finest, most higly suspenseful car chase sequence in film.
It's truely a gift. Commedable supporting work from Stellan Skarsgard, Jonathan Pryce, and Hugo Drax himself. It's smart, intrigueing, but no real payoff.
This review of Ronin (1998) was written by Tony P on 02 Nov 2009.
Ronin has generally received positive reviews.
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