quote (poignant):death...is just a stage in the journey. it's just a moment, we're here and we're not here.... quote (humorous): (singing) we'll meet again, don't know where, don't know when.....reminiscent of, and not equal to, antonioni's the passenger.....landscapes, dust, long distance shots...but more talky, with a bit of humour thrown in.

Mostly forgettable but there are interesting turns from Hurt and a young Tim Roth.

This rare contemplative film about mobsters and hitmen is a meditation on death and the surprising resources and contradictions of human character. Stamp, Hurt and Roth are excellent, Prince's dialogue is sharp and laconic, and Frears' direction is always intelligent. In addition, the film benefits by evocative Spanish locations complemented by a fine Eric Clapton score. I don't buy all the surprising things the characters do--particularly Hurt's hitman--but the film holds up in spite of this.

Kind of a meditative version of Rabid Dogs, part hostage thriller, part character drama. A wonderful core cast, these characters have a very engaging dynamic, full of posturing and tension, it's like a four-way cat-and-mouse game at times. I got the impression that Frears thinks the material is more thoughtful than it actually is, but there are some clever moments, and it's all put together quite well. An interesting journey, with enough suspense and entertainment to keep the viewer engaged.

75.250

When even John Hurt can't save a film, you know it's bad...

Low-key drama gets better and better as it goes along; Frears brings an unusally distinctive directorial style to bear (especially love that overhead shot outside the petrol station), backed by excellent star turns from Stamp and especially Hurt. Roth in his film debut is also fine, and Aussie viewers will be amused by a cameo from "Mr Australia" Bill Hunter! Quite savage and bleak at times, but also surprisingly funny, mostly thanks to Stamp's bemused detachment. "We'll meet again..."

Incredibly tense film with an absolutely superb cast. The entire build up is stellar but it doesn't give a really satisfactory ending. Still it's an unconventional ride that's well worth seeing if you like one of the most different looks at "hitmen" you'll ever see.

Good film.

An unconventional type of road movie in which the destination (that is, death) constantly simmers just beneath the surface. It's a very thoughtful film, and by the end I was surprised at just how poignant a contemplation on life and death this is. There's a really tremendous sense of location, featuring lots of beautiful Spanish vistas. Even if I didn't completely fall in love with the movie, there are no particularly glaring flaws to note.

Stylish, pared down which contemplates an informer's fate quite philosophically after he is tracked down by the crims he grassed on. The tension comes from the quandries the characters find themselves in, not from action sequences, and the acting is first rate.

I can't help but think that I would have liked if I saw it in 1984, specifically before Tarantino and the films influenced by him were made. I think the casting hurt a bit, particularly with the casting of John Hurt. (Terrence Stamp was solid, though.) The films existential approach to death was the most interesting part.