captainquality
Can one make an interesting film using only about 5-600 words of dialogue? Perhaps, but this film isn't it. Monica Bellucci says about 40-50 words, for example; Stanislas Menhar has about 20, at most (were no mimes available for his role?). Almost nothing happens for the first 75 minutes or so, then there is three minutes of moderate excitement and then the credits roll. Ten minutes of plot is stretched to 85 minutes of film. And "action" as such takes place off-camera for the most part, a nice technique, though problematic in a film where almost nothing is going to happen anyway. So this film is comprised primarily of meaningful looks and extended silences - a brief question, a long pause, no answer, cut to next scene. Not a recipe for scintillating cinema. But it must have been easy to write, and with a six or seven page script, photocopying costs were certainly low. No action, no plot twists (this would require a plot), no chases, no comedic moments, no nudity. There is some nice camera work - still lifes mostly. Do they make films for tax write-off purposes in France? Je ne sais pas, but that might explain things. If you have A LOT of time on your hands, check this film out.
omcgowan
A sophisticated exposition of evil which shows how Manichean the world really is. 3 pickpockets show us how that work is done -- and their skill is entertaining and informative. you'll learn how to protect yourself on the Metro in Paris, Rome and NY, for sure, for sure. but they get totally out of their depth into a world of violence, sex slavery and diamond-smuggling -- which is casually wrapped around daily life in Paris. and an ending that is just the start of something else. there's a scene where the "angolanos" are speaking Portuguese and there are no sub-titles but it was small talk before getting down to business anyway. i'm exceptionally unschooled in "Film" but I did notice how gorgeous the camera-work is. there's one moment when the "heroine" is wrapped in a gauze curtain with a gray wall behind her that is typical of the care taken with scenes and color. I can see how a minority would love this movie but we're a lucky few.
rintrah-1
I'm surprised there are no comments for this film. It isn't all that good, but far worse films are commented on here - even praised.I think I could watch Monica Bellucci fill out tax forms. I believe I can honestly say she is the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. She is why I watched this film. While it is not horrible, I would probably never consider watching it again if it were not for her presence in it.The film itself is somewhat perplexing. While listed at this site as a thriller it is likely the most low-key thriller I have ever seen. But I'm not sure what else you'd call it. Crimes are committed, lives are in danger. But it isn't very involving. There is very little dialogue and there are many long shots of people not doing much - smoking, drinking coffee, looking into the mirror. This gives you periodic opportunities to look at Monica of course. But while this pacing seemed intentional I'm not sure if it was the best decision for the film.While not horrible, the film is very unremarkable aside from Monica. If you are a fan of hers and watch anything she's in, this won't be the worst film you see. But I'm not sure I can recommend it for anyone but Bellucci completists. That said there are far worse films you could spend 80 minutes watching.
acohen-11
I loved this movie. the ambient is typical of french films and Monica Bellucci gives the fatal touch of glamor. she is so beautiful and this role of stripper is perfectly fitting to her. the story is good and the final fight between the mafia guys and the hero team is really french. in my opinion it is a must see movie. Stanislas Merhar was already very good in Furia but this role of a poor pickpocket is perfect for him, he is hypnotized by Bellucci and she uses him to take her revenge on her horrible boss. it is so rare to see Europeans mafia movies but the director kept this good noir spirit and the movie is not commercial. you cannot believe the end. if you have a chance to see it don't hesitate
AD
