Bill Williams
It's depiction of a city in crisis is right on target. The economic meltdown of Detroit is fair warning of what will (and to some extent has) come to pass nationally. Post-World War II Europe (especially Italy) provided the inspiration for the Neo-Realist movement in film. Current American industrial/urban decay gives rise to modern neo-realism embodied in this striking motion picture. Director Brian Lawrence, Cinematographer Lon Stratton and composers Dan Lawton and Gary Haverkate have created a strangely beautiful portrait of desperation.What's most surprising with this movie, and maybe that has to do with the fresh, ensemble cast, is how fun it is to watch these people struggle just to survive. Highly recommended.
dbborroughs
we follow the lives of several people who cross over from Canada into Detroit. How their lives intersect and how they behave is not what we expect. Low budget version of Crash reset in the once thriving capital of the American auto industry. Its a mixed affair that has its heart in the right place but never manages to quite work thanks to the budget and slips into cliché now (granted they play with them but they still use them). Its okay, but those expecting a different sort of film thanks to a video cover that promises a bang bang shoot 'em up and synopsis thats really off base, are sure to be very disappointed. 5 out of 10
eakouri
To be honest at first my opinion was reserved, I was unsure whether I could relate to the characters and attribute any value to the roles. once viewed, the film was impressive and powerful. This film was developed with a fine point and eye opening perspective of third world situations in the United States. 4 short stories about change and progression from society standing, that anyone can relate to.This film stretches the line of racial tension and profiling, portraying a need and desire for a better life, and all the obstacles that slam the characters in the face on there way up.For being developed independent, without any Motion Picture Company Money, Panic in Detroit shows the same quality of picture as any other film company out there. with the lack of decent content as of late in the film industry it is rather delightful to see individuals step up and create fine quality films.If you enjoyed films like Crash, Colors, Dark Blue, and Constant Gardener, then Panic in Detroit is a must see.
pvixenj
I hope this film will make it to large enough distribution that you will all get to see it. Definitely quality flick for low budget. There are 4 different story lines throughout the film, and one of them is emotionally more powerful than the rest, you can choose for yourself which one (avoiding spoilers), I definitely know which I pick as best. This movie also pushes the envelope regarding gender/race/financial/geographic/etc. boundaries and stereotypes. As someone who lives in the area, these observations are interesting, thought-provoking and even amusing -- yet often unflattering. I don't believe that this film depicts the mainstream of Detroit culture. That is exactly the point. "[Panic in] Detroit['s]" best feature is its focus on the extremes that create a contemporary, segregated urban environment.
AD
