Reviews

Great film. Great story. Sleeper Tony Scott film with beautiful cinematography. If you like Costner or not, its still compelling. Great, powerful ending and truly romantic story of what love really means to a man. Great secondary characters. Anthony Quinn, Madeiline Stowe (best looking she has ever been) Miguel Ferrar, James Gammon. I saw this film when I was 21 and 15 years later, it still has a strong presence with me. The scenes between Stowe and Costner are great. The cloakroom scene is sexy and romantic and powerful- you may find yourself supplied with more inspiration next time you are with your significant other. Miguel Ferrar is strong here and gives a hint of the character work he will do in the future. James Gammon plays the usual down on his luck cowboy. John Leguizamo has a small but important part- one of his first films and Tony Scott will use him again. Costner is best when he plays Costner. It was one of the first DVDs I ever bought. I can't say enough- rent or buy this film. Its a romantic film but interesting enough for guys as well. Just be ready for your girlfriend to weep at the end.

Go see Manhole! (Jing gai'er). Manhole is a story about being confronted with China's rapid change. Tang Daxing, the main character, has just been released from prison after serving 7 years for a fight (he was protecting his girlfriend, the lounge singer Xiao Hui (Artfully played by Ning Jing.) Daxing is confronted by the fact that China has changed dramatically since his incarceration. He needs money to start a life and a family with his girlfriend but he has no skills applicable to China's new economy. Will his "therapy" meetings with a local, thoughtful cop who is responsible for his parole (director Zhao Baogang) stop him from the temptation of robbing the wealthy businessman who might marry his girlfriend?

Manhole deals with a number of issues important in high growth China. However, what is most impressive is how Chen Daming weaves the story. His interaction and mixing of characters is more indicative of Guy Ritchie and Quentin Terrantino influences than the art houses films of China. Finally, a Chinese film has arrived with flair, fast pacing, good editing, and glib dialogue. This promising feature is Chen's first film and, going forward, we should expect greater things from this young director who is heralding the beginning of a new generation of filmmakers. If you are going to see one Chinese film this year, go see Manhole!