vincentlynch-moonoi
First, to our reviewer popkiss66 from Chicago, just how seriously can we take your "review" when you mention that it was "filmed on location (why spend the extra cash!?) in like kathmandu or something". It was filmed on location in CAMBODIA, which isn't even close to Kathmandu...or something.Now, back to our film: This is not a great film, but it brought something to my mind. While I've ever been a fan, I'm realizing that Matt Dillon is a rather dependable actor, and has been now for a good many years. Although he's not top rank, he also hasn't been a one hit wonder. I may need to reassess his status in American cinema.I have spent several years in Thailand, first visiting often and then living there, as well as some time in Burma, Malaysia, Singapore, and Jakarta. I've never been to Cambodia, but the depiction of the criminal element in Southeast Asia rings true. And that really is the basis of the plot in this story. You have the Westerners (here exemplified by James Caan's character) who think they are smarter than the natives, but end up living a cesspool life. And you have the natives who think they're smarter than the Westerners, not even realizing they are living a cesspool life. There are no winners, only different types of losers. Rather pathetic actually. And it is real.This is not a perfect film, by any means. There are some loose ends as the story unfolds. Some situations that don't quite work. But overall, it's a pretty good story, albeit imperfect. Dillon wrote it, so I give some credit to him.Matt Dillon's acting is dependable (as I mentioned earlier). His characterization is believable. I've always disliked James Caan as an actor, but he is satisfactory here as the main Westerner-crook. Natascha McElhone as the love interest is also acceptable. Gérard Depardieu as a bar owner is interesting, but I fail to see the brilliance alluded to by some reviewers. Kem Sereyvuth does nicely as the Cambodian companion to Dillon's character. Perhaps the best acting is done by Stellan Skarsgård, here another crook.Will I want to watch this again? No. But it is a decent film, and Matt Dillon deserves some kudos for his project.
socrates99
This is no masterpiece but it's well worth watching, especially for guys. I was transported back to my military days. The brothels, the shabby bars and 'hotels' are all real in memory. Matt Dillon directs and co-writes and as such manages to create many worthwhile scenes with the help of some heavyweight friends such as Gérard Depardieu and James Caan and Natascha McElhone. What I especially liked about it all was its freshness and ability to engross. The plot is not deep but it sounds more real then many others I've heard. Dillon is questioned when his boss for whom he's been selling insurance disappears with the money. He decides to go after him to Cambodia where there's extreme poverty and many unscrupulous men.
Opinionman
I thought the film did a great job of portraying the weird mix of cultures that exists in SE Asia today. There are entrepreneurs and con men looking to profit in the anarchy of war-traumatized societies. There are the common folk just hoping to get by without more violence. And there are the Westerners who come to wrap themselves in the mysticism of the ancient culture which permeates daily life and will prevail after these characters have moved on.I bought my DVD in a market in Myanmar. I got the 2-hour version which I loved, partly because the editing keeps you on your toes (plot development scenes start and end abruptly without lengthy introduction). I would like to see the longer version which must have spurred the comments I've read about the long camera takes on the Cambodian countryside.Great writing and directing by Dillon. Co-writer Gifford showed his David Lynchian background with almost over-the-top casting of fringe characters. And the soundtrack is perfect in reflecting the melding of old and new cultures.
talltimpw
The first thing my girlfriend said after watching this Dillon directed film was "wow, I feel like I've been to Cambodia!" City of Ghosts is packed with atmosphere. Really giving us a flavour of life in a beautiful, mysterious Cambodian city. On top of that we have a story which defies prediction. I for the life of me didn't see what was coming in the script. Very well done. Clever dialogue, loaded with insinuation and subtext. Interesting characters too. Nice people, weird people, bad people, mad people. Again, all believable stuff involved in a pretty weird situation. I'd watch this if I were you. Especially if you have a penchant for this part of the world.Tim PW
AD
