Review of The Brothers Bloom (2008) by Josh S — 14 Nov 2012

This delightfully stylish film captivates with its sharp wit and punchy comic timing. The opening, superbly narrated in rhyming couplets and depicting the Brothers Bloom as 10 and 13 respectively pulling their first con, sets out the underlying narrative through the film that really means more than the con itself. The actors each deliver brilliant performances, with Rachel Weisz stealing the show, and Robbie Coltrane and Rinko Kikuchi playing admirable supporting roles.

Full marks for the film's wit and style - it's never explained why they go around modern Europe in bowler hats and waistcoats, but it looks so damn good you don't stop to ask why - but perhaps the con could have been given a little more effort, as well as the overall storyline. Nonetheless, even if the film as a whole fails to deliver the perfect storyline, the delivery of each section is so magnificently put together that I didn't mind too much. Definitely must be seen.