Ronin is an action thriller
Ronin
directed by John Frankenheimer and stars Robert De Niro, Jean Reno, Stellan Skarsgård, Sean Bean and Natascha McElhone.
Ronin refers to a samurai with no lord or master. In this movie, De Niro and Jean Reno are two ex-secret service agents who team up along with few others to steal a heavily guarded case while traveling through a maze of violence, betrayal and shifting loyalties (aptly put in wiki I must admit). Honestly, there isn’t much of a plot to base the story around. The storyline is very predictable (where the bad guys aren’t really bad etc.)
The narration is stop-gap and is not very convincing. That being said, stylistically is movie is good with some nice locales and a fast pace. The actors, however, look bored and the performances are just about adequate. Can’t blame them really considering there isn’t much they can do. De Niro does a sincere job and gives a good performance as the cynical smart ass ex-CIA.
However, the movie has to be noted for its car chases. And there are quite a few. Sadly though, they appear forced and offer no excitement. It is just like one set piece after another minus the thrills. It is evident that John Frankenheimer, who made French Connection II, tries to outdo the legendary chase scene from French Connection original. And fails.
The movie can pass off as an action movie with guns, bullets and car chases but not as an intelligent thriller.
Cheers
Jais
good review, film works and then doesnt on other levels.
newman
Thank you. And yes, very aptly put.