“Heaven make me free of it. The rest is silence.” – Adrian
Number of Times Seen – 1 (11 Mar 2014)
Brief Synopsis – A man is framed for a crime and then is held captive for 20 years. Upon his release, he sets off to try and find the man who imprisoned him and figure out the reason why.
My Take on it – I knew absolutely nothing about this movie before I saw it and have never seen either of the two foreign language films this is based on which are supposedly both much better than this one is.
I’m not sure if Josh Brolin was the best casting choice because he isn’t normally perceived as an action hero type actor, but he works adequately here.
This movie is quite violent and involves some very adult themes so I don’t suggest that anyone without a strong stomach try to watch it. The original apparently has a scene where the characters eat a live octopus, so I’m glad Spike Lee spared us that.
I have heard that the studio cut down Lee’s original version by over an hour. I would possibly be interested to see that cut if it’s ever released since it apparently is filled with much more character development.
Due to the fact that this movie deals with some pretty powerful themes, I’m not sure if I’d run to re-watch this, but regardless it is done pretty well.
Bottom Line – Interesting story that has lots of twists in the narrative that has a big shock factor. Not a movie I would want to re-watch in the near future even though it is powerful. Recommended!
Rating – Globe Worthy
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Not the worst remake I had ever seen, but it is still pretty unnecessary. Very unnecessary, actually. Good review Rob.
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Have you seen the original? I haven’t but have no real desire to after seeing this one. I agree that parts of this are completely unnecessary, but on a whole it was worth watching once and I don’t regret seeing it even though the twists were too much for me 🙂
Thanks for reading Dan!
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I haven’t seen this remake but I loved the octopus scene in the original haha. Good review.
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Thanks. sounds too gross for my taste. (pun intended)
thanks for commenting!
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Only seen the original, which is visceral, violent and unrelenting. Not sure the remake could top that. Good review Rob!
Adam.
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Havent seen the original, so I have nothing to compare to here.
Thanks for commenting Adam
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I saw this and just thought it was a completely pointless. You should still watch the original as its an extremely beautiful film with excellent music. Its one of my favourites
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i assume this was pointless b/c the original tells the same story better. since I have yet to see it, I cant comment, but assume u are probably right.
Thanks Mikey!
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The original is simply awesome. You should see it. I’m kind of upset they remade it but I’m curious to see it nonetheless.
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Plus Josh Brolin is hot. For an older man
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if you say so 🙂
Thanks for stopping by and commenting
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Thanks Laura, That seems to be the consensus here. Guess I’ll have to try and make it thru a subtitled movie after all 🙂
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It realy is worth it, promise! Just push through the first 10 bizarre minutes.
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ill find out soon. if not, I know who to blame 🙂
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Haha, that’s fine, I’m happy to take that chance. [Waits nervously]
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🙂
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Haven’t seen this or the original, though I am intending to see both! Great review!
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Thanks Zoe.
Cant wait to hear what you think!
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I may see this one for Elizabeth Olsen, I did see the original but it was a long time ago so hopefully I won’t hate this as much as most people seem to 🙂
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Thanks for stopping by and commenting Sati!
Yeah, it seems that the consensus is that the original is much better than this remake, so I think I’m gonna also eventually see it myself also!
Sometimes it’s better to see the remake first, then you can appreciate both. It’s like watching a movie that you like so much it inspires you to read the book and then after doing so, can’t watch the movie ever again. That has happened to me numerous times. The Prince of Tides (1991) was like that for me!
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