I watched it last night and was greatly disappointed. Slow, plodding, uneven, overly quirky and even goofy at times. Certainly didn't live up to any of the rave reviews here and elsewhere I have read. I'm wondering if most of the praise is directed toward the effort it must've taken to film in the underground railroad system. I just didn't find it entertaining, suspenseful or moving in any way.
shareI'm not going to defend the film, because I absolutely loved it, but do you watch foreign movies much? Do you get that it's not strictly a "representational" film? The character's aren't characters in the same sense that American/Hollywood dramas develop fully realized characters? That's not a value set that's adhered to by all film traditions throughout the world. It's not supposed to be suspenseful, btw.. it's a movie about struggle and catharsis.
shareI'll defend this movie. I thought it was fast-paced and really liked the quirkiness of it. Also, I found a great many scenes suspensful and the whole thing entertaining. I don't know why you thought what you did about it, but...whatever blows your hair back.
"Death, you are my bitch lover!"
I just didn't find it entertaining, suspenseful or moving in any way.
there's your clue right there: YOU didn't find it entertaining, suspenseful and moving. That doesn't necessarily mean it wasn't all those things. I thought it was quirky and funny and also dark which, combined, resulted in a very atmospheric, rich movie.
I didn't like the movie that much, either. I don't think the praise is just for getting it made, though. It's a matter of taste (as other posters have said), and the film has some interesting quirky characters and some beautiful shots.
But I prefer a strong narrative, and this film's narrative was too meandering and thin for me. I think the biggest problem was that it was described as a "thriller," so I was expecting investigation or chasing of the pusher most of the time.
And yes, I watch plenty of independent and foreign films.
I just finished watching kontroll and loved it. Knew nothing about it before hand - just happened to be on tv, so had no expecations. Reasons why I thought it was brilliant - great acting, some real comic moments, good soundtrack, and while I was curious about the killer, found myself enjoying the everyday ticket collectors life more. In a nutshell I see it as a quirky entertaining film.
PS I thought the little disclaimer at the start of the film from the metro management was funny too:)