Ronin

I just watched this again because it appeared on Prime. What a great movie it is. This is a spy movie for adults, even more mature than a Bourne movie. Robert De Niro gives a wonderful, understated performance. His character is tough as nails, but also obviously vulnerable in the way only a seasoned actor can be. As you watch this, contrast it with a James Bond film. Bond inevitably smirks through every scene, De Niro in Ronin, on the other hand, looks like he's constantly nervous about his surroundings. Sure, it's not as "cool," but it sure brings you into the world of the film.I remember seeing this when it first came out in theaters and enjoying it but not being as impressed as I was with this most recent viewing. Sometimes a film grows on you over time, and that's certainly the case here. There are a couple moments that I don't like, but they are very minor. I can recall two instances where the director set up a scene by flashing to some object before the object became relevant, and in both cases the forward flashes struck me as a bit clumsy. The "wrong way" sign is the more egregious of the two accompanied as it is by a surge in the music that doesn't quite work. The "wrong way on the highway" chase scene is very good...but it's impossible to do a better chase scene like that than the one in To Live and Die in L.A. (Special Edition). But Ronin is overall a better movie than that one.The acting is top notch throughout. You expect greatness from Robert De Niro (and he delivers) and Jean Reno (who is also tremendous here). Sean Bean is perfect, and Stellan Skarsgard is a revelation. I believe this was the first time I saw him on film and he brings a tremendous presence to the screen.There will be a few scenes that stick with you after watching this. The "reflex" scene, the "ambush with a cup of coffee" scene, the "home surger" scene, and "post surgery discussion" scene where the film gets its title. That last is actually a very polite interrogation as Michael Lonsdale tries to figure out if he's about to be murdered by the man whose life he has just saved.The subtext is everything in this film. Even if you don't grab it the first time, chances are the scenes will linger with you. Maybe I thought it was a little too sure of itself on the first viewing, but with reflection I've come to realize that yes, it is that good.

what's in the box?I saw this film when it was in the theaters. I tend to watch it at least once a year. This has to be one of the best thriller/spy/action flicks I have seen.The conversations are intelligent as is the entire film. They don't try to spell everything out for you but instead offer the benefit of the doubt that the viewer is in fact using his or her head. The violence in the film is done only when necessary and is not over the top by any means. Very refreshing for this type of film. Each of the characters has a past to which the film refers either directly or indirectly, but they do not go into too much unnecessary detail with these things. This all makes the characters seem real. These are real people. Many films have car chases, but this is the first time in years that I actually enjoyed watching one. the drivers looked like they were driving and they looked as though they were trying to avoid a crash. I will say this about the two chases, after multiple viewings these can get old. I'm not a fan of car chases, but I do recall liking the ones this film the first time I saw it.There are many good actors in this film. I recognized most of the main characters as having been in other really good or great films. What was especially refreshing was that the actors gave us believable characters. I know I keep mentioning the characters, but I found this to be one of the main strengths of this film; something very very lacking in most. Robert DeNiro is a great actor, but often times we only get to see that Mafia personality that has haunted his career since the Godfather days. DeNiro is someone that can really transform himself when needed. The first time I saw this film, I did not who Sean Bean was. But he got my attention in this film. Everyone in this film turned in an outstanding performance.The filmmakers chose to concentrate on important aspects of the story and stay away from using too many gimmicks. The story does not get sidetracked by an unnecessary and unbelievable romance, nor the usual empty sound byte of a character's past and not-so-hidden demons. Instead everything is alluded through their mannerisms, through knowing statements made to each other. We can see glimpses of each person's character and personality while the film continues through the heart of the story. I think it is beautifully handled.Love this film

Ronin is to spy thrillers what Heat is to crime thrillers. John Frankenheimer's last great movie before his death. This is a wonderfully constructed film with amazing car chases. I can't praise the film enough.