list http://www.spout.com/ Recent community activity around Infernal Affairs on Spout Copyright 2005-9 Spout, LLC Spout RSS http://www.spout.com/images/SpoutLogoRSS.jpg http://www.spout.com/ 136 30 http://www.spout.com/films/Infernal_Affairs/223898/default.aspx Title: Infernal Affairs
Year: 2002
Director: Alan Mak, Andrew Lau
Plot: As Infernal Affairs opens, Ming (Andy Lau of Full-time Killer) is being initiated into the criminal underworld by triad boss Sam (Eric Tsang of The Accidental Spy), who ends his speech to his young charges by wishing them success in the police department. Ming enters the police academy, where he excels, but sees his classmate, Yan (Tony Leung Chiu-Wai of In the Mood for Love), expelled for "breaking the rules." It turns out that Yan wasn't actually drummed out of the force, but recruited by Superintendent Wong (Anthony Wong of Hard-Boiled) as an undercover operative. Just as Ming is achieving success in the police department while secretly working for Sam, Ming is gaining Sam's trust as a triad member, while reporting to Wong. Ten years later, both men, still undercover, have grown confused about their true identities, while their bosses, Sam and Wong, wage a battle of wits against each other. Each boss learns that the other has a mole working for him, and unwittingly entrusts the mole himself to ferret out the culprit. Ming and Yan scramble to expose one another's identity in an effort to save their own skins. Infernal Affairs was co-directed by Andrew Lau (who worked as a cinematographer on several of Wong Kar-Wai's films) and Alan Mak. Renowned cinematographer Christopher Doyle served as "Visual Consultant." The film was shown at New Directors/New Films in 2003. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide
Times Tagged: 12
Number of Lists: 20
Number of blog posts: 6
Number of discussion threads: 4
SpoutRating: 4
]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:57:45 GMTInfernal Affairs2002Alan Mak, Andrew LauAs Infernal Affairs opens, Ming (<a href="/players/P___120031/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Andy Lau</a> of Full-time Killer) is being initiated into the criminal underworld by triad boss Sam (Eric Tsang of <a href=/films/195275/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>The Accidental Spy</a>), who ends his speech to his young charges by wishing them success in the police department. Ming enters the police academy, where he excels, but sees his classmate, Yan (<a href="/players/P___198096/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Tony Leung Chiu-Wai</a> of <a href=/films/154755/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>In the Mood for Love</a>), expelled for "breaking the rules." It turns out that Yan wasn't actually drummed out of the force, but recruited by Superintendent Wong (<a href="/players/P____77241/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Anthony Wong</a> of <a href=/films/14728/default.aspx style='text-decoration:underline'>Hard-Boiled</a>) as an undercover operative. Just as Ming is achieving success in the police department while secretly working for Sam, Ming is gaining Sam's trust as a triad member, while reporting to Wong. Ten years later, both men, still undercover, have grown confused about their true identities, while their bosses, Sam and Wong, wage a battle of wits against each other. Each boss learns that the other has a mole working for him, and unwittingly entrusts the mole himself to ferret out the culprit. Ming and Yan scramble to expose one another's identity in an effort to save their own skins. Infernal Affairs was co-directed by Andrew Lau (who worked as a cinematographer on several of <a href="/players/P___194627/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Wong Kar-Wai</a>'s films) and Alan Mak. Renowned cinematographer <a href="/players/P____88185/default.aspx" style='text-decoration:underline'>Christopher Doyle</a> served as "Visual Consultant." The film was shown at New Directors/New Films in 2003. ~ Josh Ralske, All Movie Guide12Tag Target (>10)20644http://www.spout.com/ProductImages/t51117n82c5.jpghttp://www.spout.com/films/Infernal_Affairs/223898/default.aspxFilm http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Re_Weekly_Theme_for_June_8_Undercover/625/42574/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 6/8/2009 4:57:45 PM
Body: Well as far as I know The Departed is a remake of elements of all three movies in the Infernal Affairs trilogy. That might be why The Departed is longer and has more elements than what you saw in just the first of the Infernal Affairs movies.
]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:57:45 GMTRisseladaWeekly Theme6/8/2009 4:57:45 PMWell as far as I know The Departed is a remake of elements of all three movies in the Infernal Affairs trilogy. That might be why The Departed is longer and has more elements than what you saw in just the first of the Infernal Affairs movies. http://www.spout.com/groups/Weekly_Theme/Weekly_Theme_for_June_8_Undercover/625/42572/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: leeroy711
Post To: Weekly Theme
Post Date: 6/8/2009 3:34:45 PM
Body: Well, hello again from the Weekly Theme. Last week I finally watched Infernal Affairs. You know, that movie Hong Kong film Scorsese remade for the gold. I have to say, I thought the original was far better than the remake and I was actually pretty surprised at how close Marty stuck with all the original plot points. He just seemed to elongate the entire thing and add one more key character. But I digress, I want to talk this week about all those great undercover films. I also recently watched a great private eye film by one of my favorite directors, Seijun Suzuki. It was Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards!!! This film was such a good time, but with a title like that it kinda had to be. State of Grace is another good undercover cop film. I remember watching this. I remember liking it quite a bit when I was younger and I've been wanting to re-watch it lately to see if it still holds up. Well, that's all I got for right now. So, what's you favorite undercover film?
]]>Mon, 08 Jun 2009 19:34:45 GMTleeroy711Weekly Theme6/8/2009 3:34:45 PMWell, hello again from the Weekly Theme. Last week I finally watched Infernal Affairs. You know, that movie Hong Kong film Scorsese remade for the gold. I have to say, I thought the original was far better than the remake and I was actually pretty surprised at how close Marty stuck with all the original plot points. He just seemed to elongate the entire thing and add one more key character. But I digress, I want to talk this week about all those great undercover films. I also recently watched a great private eye film by one of my favorite directors, Seijun Suzuki. It was Detective Bureau 2-3: Go to Hell Bastards!!! This film was such a good time, but with a title like that it kinda had to be. State of Grace is another good undercover cop film. I remember watching this. I remember liking it quite a bit when I was younger and I've been wanting to re-watch it lately to see if it still holds up. Well, that's all I got for right now. So, what's you favorite undercover film? http://www.spout.com/groups/Re_Make/Infernal_Affairs_2002_VS_The_Departed_2006/674/39996/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: mercurial
Post To: Re-Make
Post Date: 1/27/2009 6:49:54 PM
Body: Not too many people realized The Departed was a remake until it was nominated for a number of Oscars and Infernal Affairs was eventually brought into the light. Did Martin Scorsese put his signature on the film or was it just another Americanization of an already great Chinese film? Does a noted director and some A-List actors make up the requirements to make a remake good? Let us know!
]]>Tue, 27 Jan 2009 23:49:54 GMTmercurialRe-Make1/27/2009 6:49:54 PM Not too many people realized The Departed was a remake until it was nominated for a number of Oscars and Infernal Affairs was eventually brought into the light. Did Martin Scorsese put his signature on the film or was it just another Americanization of an already great Chinese film? Does a noted director and some A-List actors make up the requirements to make a remake good? Let us know! http://www.spout.com/blogs/risselada/archive/2008/3/25/26597.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Risselada Blog
Post Date: 3/25/2008 4:06:15 PM
Body: This blog entry is part of my “movie year countdown round #2”. Read more about that here.Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs)This is a solid Hong Konk police vs. crime boss action movie, but I think the only reason it has reached such acclaim and praise (it's on the IMDB top 250!!) is due to it's being remade into The Departed (which I still haven't seen).I'm not surprised that it was remade though. I kept thinking about all of the actors that I knew were in The Departed while watching this movie and thinking that it's probably something really amazing. Well I should probably stop talking about a movie I haven't seen.I'm not sure why I'm nitpicking this movie that actually has some quite good acting, but I was rather confused at first by the fact that multiple actors play the main characters. Both of the moles are portrayed by "younger" actors as younger versions of themselves. The actors playing them are only slightly younger, and it just makes for big confusion.Anyways, does anyone know if any of the sequels are worthwhile?Rating: 8/10
]]>Tue, 25 Mar 2008 20:06:15 GMTRisseladaRisselada Blog3/25/2008 4:06:15 PMThis blog entry is part of my &ldquo;movie year countdown round #2&rdquo;. Read more about that here.Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs)This is a solid Hong Konk police vs. crime boss action movie, but I think the only reason it has reached such acclaim and praise (it&#39;s on the IMDB top 250!!) is due to it&#39;s being remade into The Departed (which I still haven&#39;t seen).I&#39;m not surprised that it was remade though. I kept thinking about all of the actors that I knew were in The Departed while watching this movie and thinking that it&#39;s probably something really amazing. Well I should probably stop talking about a movie I haven&#39;t seen.I&#39;m not sure why I&#39;m nitpicking this movie that actually has some quite good acting, but I was rather confused at first by the fact that multiple actors play the main characters. Both of the moles are portrayed by &quot;younger&quot; actors as younger versions of themselves. The actors playing them are only slightly younger, and it just makes for big confusion.Anyways, does anyone know if any of the sequels are worthwhile?Rating: 8/10 http://www.spout.com/blogs/windbreaker/archive/2008/2/17/25243.aspx Post By: Windbreaker
Post To: Windbreaker!
Post Date: 2/17/2008 10:08:50 PM
Body: Ok, I'm probably the only retard who forgot Infernal Affairs 1-3 was the basis for the Departed. That aside, this movie was fantastic. I've seen Departed - enjoyed it. But Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai have acting chops galore. Actually, the entire cast is 100% believable. It's an amazing crime drama exploring moral shades of gray in the context of undercover police work. Michael Mann's Miami Vice did that very effectively, also. But Infernal Affairs is the best undercover drama I recall seeing on DVD -- ever. (I will admit that I'm still a sucker for the undercover action flicks like Bad Boys).If you haven't had the priviledge of picking up this DVD, don't watch the trailer yet!!! I haven't seen parts 2 & 3 (which I assume won't be as good as 1), but I can't pass up buying the 3-pack DVD box from Amazon for $30.
]]>Mon, 18 Feb 2008 03:08:50 GMTWindbreakerWindbreaker!2/17/2008 10:08:50 PMOk, I&#39;m probably the only retard who forgot Infernal Affairs 1-3 was the basis for the Departed. That aside, this movie was fantastic. I&#39;ve seen Departed - enjoyed it. But Andy Lau and Tony Leung Chiu-Wai have acting chops galore. Actually, the entire cast is 100% believable. It&#39;s an amazing crime drama exploring moral shades of gray in the context of undercover police work. Michael Mann&#39;s Miami Vice did that very effectively, also. But Infernal Affairs is the best undercover drama I recall seeing on DVD -- ever. (I will admit that I&#39;m still a sucker for the undercover action flicks like Bad Boys).If you haven&#39;t had the priviledge of picking up this DVD, don&#39;t watch the trailer yet!!! I haven&#39;t seen parts 2 &amp; 3 (which I assume won&#39;t be as good as 1), but I can&#39;t pass up buying the 3-pack DVD box from Amazon for $30. http://www.spout.com/blogs/chrismorrell/archive/2008/1/15/23915.aspx Post By: chrismorrell
Post To: chrismorrell Blog
Post Date: 1/15/2008 2:17:10 PM
Body: This is the third time i have watched it..familiarity wiith the dialogue helps concentration away from the subtitles..and it suprised me how much English they speak,with "boss" and "okay" ,"bye bye" and other phrases tagged on all over the place.. That sing-song Cantonese drawl ,perfectly suits the insouciance of both the "Underworld",and the Police ,and there is a lot of humour in this..I was captivated straight away by the Hi-Fi shop exchanges where the two "star-crossed" recruits meet up again. Cinematography is fantastic in this,and makes great use of the Hong Kong locations,where space is at such a premium,that everything ,including cemeteries and golf courses,are on rooftops...the camera seems to float everywhere ,and we get iconic image after iconic image. Most memorable,the rooftop "stand-offs" ,using exaggerated wide angled close-ups ,cut with "distance" shots,and reflections in the surrounding buildings,that create the effect of figures seeming to appear from nowhere...There is little flab in this film,no unecessary sex scenes ,crisp black and white freeze-frame flashbacks that punctuate the "life and death" moments,the violence is horrific , unglamorous,and perfunctory.. A "neat" ending is eschewed for one that leaves the main character in "moral limbo",and leaves your imagination to run on into the future,outside the frame...with just a quotation from "The Buddah" that offers no solace,referring as it does to "Continuous Hell" as the worst kind...because those in "Continuous Hell" can never die ......Never Depart...
]]>Tue, 15 Jan 2008 19:17:10 GMTchrismorrellchrismorrell Blog1/15/2008 2:17:10 PMThis is the third time i have watched it..familiarity wiith the dialogue helps concentration away from the subtitles..and it suprised me how much English they speak,with &quot;boss&quot; and &quot;okay&quot; ,&quot;bye bye&quot; and other phrases tagged on all over the place.. That sing-song Cantonese drawl ,perfectly suits the insouciance of both the &quot;Underworld&quot;,and the Police ,and there is a lot of humour in this..I was captivated straight away by the Hi-Fi shop exchanges where the two &quot;star-crossed&quot; recruits meet up again. Cinematography is fantastic in this,and makes great use of the Hong Kong locations,where space is at such a premium,that everything ,including cemeteries and golf courses,are on rooftops...the camera seems to float everywhere ,and we get iconic image after iconic image. Most memorable,the rooftop &quot;stand-offs&quot; ,using exaggerated wide angled close-ups ,cut with &quot;distance&quot; shots,and reflections in the surrounding buildings,that create the effect of figures seeming to appear from nowhere...There is little flab in this film,no unecessary sex scenes ,crisp black and white freeze-frame flashbacks that punctuate the &quot;life and death&quot; moments,the violence is horrific , unglamorous,and perfunctory.. A &quot;neat&quot; ending is eschewed for one that leaves the main character in &quot;moral limbo&quot;,and leaves your imagination to run on into the future,outside the frame...with just a quotation from &quot;The Buddah&quot; that offers no solace,referring as it does to &quot;Continuous Hell&quot; as the worst kind...because those in &quot;Continuous Hell&quot; can never die ......Never Depart... http://www.spout.com/blogs/risselada/archive/2007/11/19/21772.aspx Post By: Risselada
Post To: Risselada Blog
Post Date: 11/19/2007 11:10:22 AM
Body: This is a list for Round 2 of my movie year countdown viewing project as first described here. If by any strange chance whoever is reading this is actually following along you may notice that I'm still less than two thirds of the way through my original one. Well I'm starting this new one because as much as I love old movies it can get a little tedious watching just older movies. So I'm going to be blending my watching of the two lists together. Still focusing on the original one, but every once in a while sliding in the next entry from this new list.Again these new movies are limited to full length movies that are available on Netflix. And for this new round instead of picking a movie from every year, I will be picking a movie from every two years. For example the first movie must have come out during 2006 or 2007. The second movie must have come out in 2004 or 2005. The next in 2002 or 2003. You see.The list is not finished yet, but here is what I have decided so far. I will update this post later with the new flicks.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Children of Men (2006)2. The New World (2005)3. Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs) (2002)4. Riri Shushu no subete (All About Lily Chou-Chou) (2001)5. Party Monster (1998)6. Hard Eight (1996)7. Smoke (1995)8. Jennifer Eight (1992)9. The Fisher King (1991)10. Tetsuo (Tetsuo, the Iron Man) (1989)11. Angel Heart (1987)12. Runaway Train (1985)13. Burden of Dreams (1982)14. The Big Red One (1980)15. Stalker (1979)16. Network (1976)17. Angst essen Seele auf (Ali: Fear Eats the Soul) (1974)18. The Wicker Man (1973)19. Land des Schweigens und der Dunkelheit (Land of Silence and Darkness) (1971)20. Z (1969)21. In Cold Blood (1967)22. Suna no onna (Woman in the Dunes) (1964)23. The Intruder (1962)24. Jungfrukällan (The Virgin Spring) (1960)25. Pickpocket (1959)26. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)27. Kiss Me Deadly (1955)28. Shane (1953)29. Winchester '73 (1950)30. The Big Clock (1948)31. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)32. The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France (1944)33. Hi Diddle Diddle (1943)34. The Philadelphia Story (1940)35. Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)36. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)37. Man on the Flying Trapeze (1935)38. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)39. Zemlya (Earth) (1930)40. Die Büchse der Pandora (Pandora's Box) (1929)41. The Unknown (1927)42. Seven Chances (1925)43. Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler - Ein Bild der Zeit (Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler) (1922)44. The Kid (1921)45. Male and Female (1919)46. Umirayushchii Lebed (The Dying Swan) (1917)47. The Birth of a Nation (1915)
]]>Mon, 19 Nov 2007 16:10:22 GMTRisseladaRisselada Blog11/19/2007 11:10:22 AMThis is a list for Round 2 of my movie year countdown viewing project as first described here. If by any strange chance whoever is reading this is actually following along you may notice that I&#39;m still less than two thirds of the way through my original one. Well I&#39;m starting this new one because as much as I love old movies it can get a little tedious watching just older movies. So I&#39;m going to be blending my watching of the two lists together. Still focusing on the original one, but every once in a while sliding in the next entry from this new list.Again these new movies are limited to full length movies that are available on Netflix. And for this new round instead of picking a movie from every year, I will be picking a movie from every two years. For example the first movie must have come out during 2006 or 2007. The second movie must have come out in 2004 or 2005. The next in 2002 or 2003. You see.The list is not finished yet, but here is what I have decided so far. I will update this post later with the new flicks.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------1. Children of Men (2006)2. The New World (2005)3. Mou gaan dou (Infernal Affairs) (2002)4. Riri Shushu no subete (All About Lily Chou-Chou) (2001)5. Party Monster (1998)6. Hard Eight (1996)7. Smoke (1995)8. Jennifer Eight (1992)9. The Fisher King (1991)10. Tetsuo (Tetsuo, the Iron Man) (1989)11. Angel Heart (1987)12. Runaway Train (1985)13. Burden of Dreams (1982)14. The Big Red One (1980)15. Stalker (1979)16. Network (1976)17. Angst essen Seele auf (Ali: Fear Eats the Soul) (1974)18. The Wicker Man (1973)19. Land des Schweigens und der Dunkelheit (Land of Silence and Darkness) (1971)20. Z (1969)21. In Cold Blood (1967)22. Suna no onna (Woman in the Dunes) (1964)23. The Intruder (1962)24. Jungfruk&auml;llan (The Virgin Spring) (1960)25. Pickpocket (1959)26. Invasion of the Body Snatchers (1956)27. Kiss Me Deadly (1955)28. Shane (1953)29. Winchester &#39;73 (1950)30. The Big Clock (1948)31. The Postman Always Rings Twice (1946)32. The Chronicle History of King Henry the Fift with His Battell Fought at Agincourt in France (1944)33. Hi Diddle Diddle (1943)34. The Philadelphia Story (1940)35. Angels with Dirty Faces (1938)36. Mr. Deeds Goes to Town (1936)37. Man on the Flying Trapeze (1935)38. I Am a Fugitive from a Chain Gang (1932)39. Zemlya (Earth) (1930)40. Die B&uuml;chse der Pandora (Pandora&#39;s Box) (1929)41. The Unknown (1927)42. Seven Chances (1925)43. Dr. Mabuse, der Spieler - Ein Bild der Zeit (Dr. Mabuse: The Gambler) (1922)44. The Kid (1921)45. Male and Female (1919)46. Umirayushchii Lebed (The Dying Swan) (1917)47. The Birth of a Nation (1915) http://www.spout.com/blogs/tenenbaums/archive/2007/9/20/19972.aspx Post By: Tenenbaums
Post To: Tenenbaums Blog
Post Date: 9/20/2007 4:51:19 PM
Body: Note: If you're really interested in seeing the film, don't read any reviews. Just watch it and then read the reviews. The game is Russian Roulette spliced with Telephone. In a circle, hold a gun to the player's head in front of you after spinning your barrel a good ten seconds. Wait for the single dangling light bulb in the circle's center to light up, and fire. Losers die, winners play on. Everyone starts with one bullet and increases the ammunition to match each subsequent round to three. The final round is a duel where two players with four slugs each point a spun barreled pistol at each other's forehead and squeeze the trigger. Survive, and you walk away with a load of cash. Oh yeah, and your life.Sound intriguing? For Sébastien, a poor Mr. Fix-It struggling to support his family, the money is enough to lure him without any knowledge of the game. The winnings are also plenty for the crowd of high stakes gamblers, many of whom travel the circuits of even larger such games, betting on players to make the next round. However, you can't bet unless you have players and apparently there are seasoned veterans who regularly and enthusiastically enter such competitions. Such is the strange underworld portrayed in Géla Babluani's 13 Tzameti, a film wholly about chance: it is the force that allows Sébastien to get the roof-mending job at experienced dueler Jean-François' house; it collapses at the right time and right place just above a crucial conversation about the money; it leaves the letter in the open; and it sweeps the letter by wind into the yard for Sébastien's finding. It is also chance that permits Sébastien to compete in the game after reaching the "arena" and controls how he performs while playing. Absolutely no skill is involved. The gamblers talk about "experience," especially in the final "duel" round, but what kind of background is necessary to succeed at such a game? Sébastien also gambles with his life by following through with the letter's contents. All he knows is that a great deal of money is up for grabs and that he'll do just about anything (so he thinks) to get it. Yet when he enters the game, it is clear that he is not up to the assignment. Only when he is faced with sure death does he comply, wearing a murderer's mask for the sake of survival.After such an intriguing build-up, it's sadly impossible to stop there and discuss 13 Tzameti without mentioning the heart of the film. Making mention to a mysterious letter that leads to riches may be enough for Entertainment Weekly's Fall Movie Preview, but not for a full review. Actually, referencing the game at all is a spoiler of sorts as the concept and its initial directorial execution are the film's only details worth remembering. So, here goes: The first time the game's concept is presented is by far the film's best scene and also one of the best in recent cinema. The pace, editing, lack of soundtrack, and camera movement are gripping, putting it in the ranks of obvious moments from Death Proof, The Departed, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Children of Men. The camera slowly weaves between the varied emotion-riddled faces of players and gamblers as the "referee" barks out the rules, which are new and frightening to Sébastien and us. The game is shocking and the incredible danger ripples through rookies both on screen and off. Guns rarely look this menacing on film and a light bulb hasn't played a better role since Stalag 17. The scene is presented nearly in full in the film's trailer, proving again that previews typically give away far too much information. The scene itself may exist more successfully as a short film than the full length feature as, unfortunately, the rest of the film lacks anything close to the same intensity. Each subsequent round is increasingly less tense and less surprising as it becomes yawningly clear that Sébastien will progress to the final round. If he had been killed early on, Janet Leigh in Psycho-style, and another protagonist/perspective emerged, the film potentially could have been far more moving. Instead, it's quite plain.In a poor attempt to make the film more complex, the standard police investigation is hot on the case. The authorities spy on Jean-François, are knowledgeable of the whole murderous operation, and are just about to law down the law when...Sébastien gets off his train one station earlier than expected. Ooh, so close! Furthermore, the confident, strong lead detective is rendered downright Cluseau-ish after apprehending Sébastien and then buying his simple fib. Never has an cinematic officer so sure of himself pulled such a quick 180. We may be witnessing world record time in fully trusting a suspect mere seconds after swearing to his face that he's a liar. Apparently even the French have Keystone Cops. Though I'm confused by 13 Tzameti's cult status and comparisons to the likes of Fight Club, I'm curious to see how the U.S. remake will look. Written and directed by Babluani, this isn't exactly Infernal Affairs-The Departed territory. 13 Tzameti exists fine on its own...unless it were to be adapted into the proposed short film. Gus Van Sant's shot-by-shot remake of Psycho made more sense. At least that disaster was an interesting experiment in filmmaking.Overall, 13 Tzameti feels too one-dimensional to have any lasting impact. It's like a pre-season NFL game: it happened, but did it really mean anything? 13 Tzameti is definitely worth a viewing to feel the excitement of the cornerstone scene, but unworthy of repeat screenings. I can't think of another film that I would heartily recommend yet also give a bad review. Perhaps it is in this irony that Babluani succeeds. If so, well done. You may move on to the next round.
]]>Thu, 20 Sep 2007 20:51:19 GMTTenenbaumsTenenbaums Blog9/20/2007 4:51:19 PMNote: If you&#39;re really interested in seeing the film, don&#39;t read any reviews. Just watch it and then read the reviews. The game is Russian Roulette spliced with Telephone. In a circle, hold a gun to the player&#39;s head in front of you after spinning your barrel a good ten seconds. Wait for the single dangling light bulb in the circle&#39;s center to light up, and fire. Losers die, winners play on. Everyone starts with one bullet and increases the ammunition to match each subsequent round to three. The final round is a duel where two players with four slugs each point a spun barreled pistol at each other&#39;s forehead and squeeze the trigger. Survive, and you walk away with a load of cash. Oh yeah, and your life.Sound intriguing? For S&eacute;bastien, a poor Mr. Fix-It struggling to support his family, the money is enough to lure him without any knowledge of the game. The winnings are also plenty for the crowd of high stakes gamblers, many of whom travel the circuits of even larger such games, betting on players to make the next round. However, you can&#39;t bet unless you have players and apparently there are seasoned veterans who regularly and enthusiastically enter such competitions. Such is the strange underworld portrayed in G&eacute;la Babluani&#39;s 13 Tzameti, a film wholly about chance: it is the force that allows S&eacute;bastien to get the roof-mending job at experienced dueler Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois&#39; house; it collapses at the right time and right place just above a crucial conversation about the money; it leaves the letter in the open; and it sweeps the letter by wind into the yard for S&eacute;bastien&#39;s finding. It is also chance that permits S&eacute;bastien to compete in the game after reaching the &quot;arena&quot; and controls how he performs while playing. Absolutely no skill is involved. The gamblers talk about &quot;experience,&quot; especially in the final &quot;duel&quot; round, but what kind of background is necessary to succeed at such a game? S&eacute;bastien also gambles with his life by following through with the letter&#39;s contents. All he knows is that a great deal of money is up for grabs and that he&#39;ll do just about anything (so he thinks) to get it. Yet when he enters the game, it is clear that he is not up to the assignment. Only when he is faced with sure death does he comply, wearing a murderer&#39;s mask for the sake of survival.After such an intriguing build-up, it&#39;s sadly impossible to stop there and discuss 13 Tzameti without mentioning the heart of the film. Making mention to a mysterious letter that leads to riches may be enough for Entertainment Weekly&#39;s Fall Movie Preview, but not for a full review. Actually, referencing the game at all is a spoiler of sorts as the concept and its initial directorial execution are the film&#39;s only details worth remembering. So, here goes: The first time the game&#39;s concept is presented is by far the film&#39;s best scene and also one of the best in recent cinema. The pace, editing, lack of soundtrack, and camera movement are gripping, putting it in the ranks of obvious moments from Death Proof, The Departed, The Bourne Ultimatum, and Children of Men. The camera slowly weaves between the varied emotion-riddled faces of players and gamblers as the &quot;referee&quot; barks out the rules, which are new and frightening to S&eacute;bastien and us. The game is shocking and the incredible danger ripples through rookies both on screen and off. Guns rarely look this menacing on film and a light bulb hasn&#39;t played a better role since Stalag 17. The scene is presented nearly in full in the film&#39;s trailer, proving again that previews typically give away far too much information. The scene itself may exist more successfully as a short film than the full length feature as, unfortunately, the rest of the film lacks anything close to the same intensity. Each subsequent round is increasingly less tense and less surprising as it becomes yawningly clear that S&eacute;bastien will progress to the final round. If he had been killed early on, Janet Leigh in Psycho-style, and another protagonist/perspective emerged, the film potentially could have been far more moving. Instead, it&#39;s quite plain.In a poor attempt to make the film more complex, the standard police investigation is hot on the case. The authorities spy on Jean-Fran&ccedil;ois, are knowledgeable of the whole murderous operation, and are just about to law down the law when...S&eacute;bastien gets off his train one station earlier than expected. Ooh, so close! Furthermore, the confident, strong lead detective is rendered downright Cluseau-ish after apprehending S&eacute;bastien and then buying his simple fib. Never has an cinematic officer so sure of himself pulled such a quick 180. We may be witnessing world record time in fully trusting a suspect mere seconds after swearing to his face that he&#39;s a liar. Apparently even the French have Keystone Cops. Though I&#39;m confused by 13 Tzameti&#39;s cult status and comparisons to the likes of Fight Club, I&#39;m curious to see how the U.S. remake will look. Written and directed by Babluani, this isn&#39;t exactly Infernal Affairs-The Departed territory. 13 Tzameti exists fine on its own...unless it were to be adapted into the proposed short film. Gus Van Sant&#39;s shot-by-shot remake of Psycho made more sense. At least that disaster was an interesting experiment in filmmaking.Overall, 13 Tzameti feels too one-dimensional to have any lasting impact. It&#39;s like a pre-season NFL game: it happened, but did it really mean anything? 13 Tzameti is definitely worth a viewing to feel the excitement of the cornerstone scene, but unworthy of repeat screenings. I can&#39;t think of another film that I would heartily recommend yet also give a bad review. Perhaps it is in this irony that Babluani succeeds. If so, well done. You may move on to the next round. http://www.spout.com/groups/missing_a_film/Re_Help_to_find_a_missing_film/263/13424/1/ShowPost.aspx Post By: Jymkata
Post To: missing a film
Post Date: 7/8/2007 11:59:42 AM
Body: [quote user="joem18b"] Plus, who is that Hong Kong director who frequently has two guys holding guns to each other's heads. And in one instance, the wife of one of them comes in and they hide the guns till she leaves again? (I was just looking at the cover of 13 Tzameti, which pictures something similar.) [/quote]Sounds like John Woo's Hong Kong films with two guys frequently squaring off with guns in each other's face. The scene you described sounds like The Killer where a blind woman is serving the two adversaries tea while they face off without lettting on that they have guns drawn right in front of her.The original Infernal Affairs also has the two leads facing off on a rooftop with guns drawn.
]]>Sun, 08 Jul 2007 15:59:42 GMTJymkatamissing a film7/8/2007 11:59:42 AM[quote user="joem18b"] Plus, who is that Hong Kong director who frequently has two guys holding guns to each other's heads. And in one instance, the wife of one of them comes in and they hide the guns till she leaves again? (I was just looking at the cover of 13 Tzameti, which pictures something similar.) [/quote]Sounds like John Woo's Hong Kong films with two guys frequently squaring off with guns in each other's face. The scene you described sounds like The Killer where a blind woman is serving the two adversaries tea while they face off without lettting on that they have guns drawn right in front of her.The original Infernal Affairs also has the two leads facing off on a rooftop with guns drawn. http://www.spout.com/blogs/paul/archive/2006/11/1/3504.aspx Post By: paul
Post To: paul on spout.com
Post Date: 11/1/2006 2:01:00 PM
Body: I'm in the minority. I disliked Lady Vengeance. I've been patient with a lot of films being lumped in with the rennaissance going on now in Asian cinema, but I found this journal entry from over a year ago summing up my thoughts:So, I watched this flick called Infernal Affairs last night. Asian cinema is pretty damned hot right now and this is one of the really hot titles in recent years.All I can say is I think I'm ruined. Really clever premises and flashy action sequences bore the shite out of me now.
]]>Wed, 01 Nov 2006 18:01:00 GMTpaulpaul on spout.com11/1/2006 2:01:00 PMI'm in the minority. I disliked Lady Vengeance. I've been patient with a lot of films being lumped in with the rennaissance going on now in Asian cinema, but I found this journal entry from over a year ago summing up my thoughts:So, I watched this flick called Infernal Affairs last night. Asian cinema is pretty damned hot right now and this is one of the really hot titles in recent years.All I can say is I think I'm ruined. Really clever premises and flashy action sequences bore the shite out of me now. http://www.spout.com/members/0/tags/identity/MemberTagFilms.aspxidentity
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