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Summary: only sound and chase
Review: If you want to watch incredible chase scenes and hear perfect sound, buy this dvd and wait nothing more.
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Summary: Best action thriller of recent years; best car chases ever
Review: There is the oft spoken argument over the best car sequence committed to film, well I believe that to those people just one word is needed: Ronin. To those who appreciate the car chase as the best expression of a stuntman's capabilities, and easily the best form of the 'action' sequence, then UA's Ronin will go down as an instant classic. Bullitt, whose car chase has given it iconic status, its place in the annals of history is assured, and Ronin will be sure to join it there. John Frankenheimer should seriously consider just directing car sequences for other peoples' movies (he did all the second unit directing himself). The second chase through the streets of Paris is unprecedented, and to those who still think The French Connection or The Seven Ups reign supreme, this should finally silence their claims. If you have ever spoken of an interest in the action genre, if only in passing to a stranger, then watch Ronin and see what even $50 million's worth of CGI could never achieve.
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Summary: But do we care?
Review: Surely this is a promising concept. DeNiro, Reno, Bean, guns, cars, intrigue, secret suitcases, explosions, doublecrosses, and a partridge in a pear tree. With the amount of time and attention that's obviously been lavished on the production, what could possibly go wrong?To me this movie possesses a severe crisis of purpose. People come, people go; people get shot, people - erm, get shot anyway. There seems to be a complete lack of viewer attachment to the film - we tend not to care one way or another about any of the characters because as soon as we do? Bam, they're gone. All the action, frantic and tense as it is, just seems slightly irrelevant, since they're all going to die anyway. On the plus side, direction and acting is generally good, and the scenery is naturally wonderful. The "Ronin" legend of the title is intriguing, but clumsily handled, so we're left wondering whether it's really relevant. In short, slick production values can't substitute for real emotion in this rather faceless thriller.
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Summary: A Must
Review: One of the best movies made. Packed with stars and stunts this film is a must see. Based in France it captures the mood and extraviganse of the country. You will be stunned at the various car chases that incorporate this fast beat movie. Buy it and enjoy.
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Summary: RONIN ROCKS! (and makes you think as well)
Review: To dismiss RONIN as merely a great chase movie (which it surely is) or as only a well-made action/thriller (and it's that too) is missing a big part of the movie. To criticize the performances as too low-key or boring (as some have written here) is also missing the point. This is the finest glimpse into the mercenary lifestyle since THE DOGS OF WAR. The way each of the _real_ mercenaries in the crew (people who have seen the film know what I'm referring to here) acts is perfect for making the impression just how dispassionate these men must be. They are professionals hired to do a job. The lone passionate one among them stands out like a sore thumb. All the actors shine in this film, but especially DeNiro, Reno and Skaarsgard (who is ruthless in the extreme). I agree with many here that the chase scenes are the best ever done (yes, even better than THE FRENCH CONNECTION). And the gun battle in the streets of that French town is the equal of the one in HEAT (although a lot shorter). But it is the twist and turns of the plot, the world-weary cynicism that pervades the characters' lives, and the stunning photography that elevates this film into the stratosphere. Plus, the little set pieces, such as Reno and DeNiro's visit to Reno's retired friend's house, add even more depth than you would expect to an already well-textured film. RONIN is easily one of the best thrillers of this decade or even of the last quarter-century. By the way, the DVD has an optional alternate ending that is even more downbeat than the original! I'm glad the theatrical version didn't use it!
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Summary: Best action film of 1998
Review: Unlike most action flicks, Ronin made me think. Despite the fact that it extended Pulp Fiction's original "let's run around with a case but never show what's in it" idea, Ronin has original chase scenes and the look of a genuine high speed flick that's also a good urban thriller. Sort of like the Reservoir Dogs, the ronin have to figure out who the traitor is; plot twists and deceptions abound and keep the audience guessing who is really on who's side. Natascha McElhone was excellent as the IRA terrorist Deirdre, and Jonathan Pryce delivered a nice cameo as Seamus. I loved it!
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Summary: Authentic and Driven
Review: Having not seen Ronin in theatres, I rented it one night on videotape. Wow. I was literally blown away by the authenticity of the gun battles and car chases. I was so impressed it was one of the first DVDs I purchased. The sound techs who worked on the nuances of the different weapons used should be commended. Awesome in its authenticity. I knew to expect terrific car sequences from Frankenheimer, seeing as he directed one of the great racing movies of all time, Grand Prix. The chase scene through the crowded streets and tunnels of Paris is worth the price of admission alone. The movie is driven and authentic to a fault. Ronin rocks.
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Summary: Super Chaser
Review: For almost two decades, most movie car chases are idiotic. Save for a few exceptions, seen one, seen them all. Everybody just tries to copy The French Connection, anyway, right? I have often wondered if film students take a class on car chases and are forced to watch The French Connection over and over again. Well, Ronin, on top of being a very good, well produced and acted film, also has the distinction of having one of the best car chase sequences ever on film. The enhanced visuals and sound that DVD offer make it that much more enjoyable. If you are a big fan of car chases, buy this DVD. If you are not, this film may convert you.
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Summary: What an engrossing film. Underrated Plot.
Review: This movie is a perfect "intelligent" action/suspense thriller. The car chases are probably the best ever filmed; they surpass those in Bullit by the same director, and they are not even the best part of the film, just a bonus! The plot is not "thready" by any means, as it was dubbed by many critics, rather it is intracately designed for the alert viewer to spot various clues and keep them guessing until the end. The action is incomparble for this type of film. Beyond the filmic elements, this sort of subject matter is appealing to many, as well as the beautiful locations of France. Above all this is the smart man's action film. I would not be without it in my DVD library. Possibly one of the ten or fifteen best films of 1998, it is that enjoyable!
Rating:
Summary: A guy flick with some chick flick sensabilities.
Review: If half-stars were allowed, I'd give this 4.5 stars. Generally it is worthy of 5 stars but there are several points when the story either lags or isn't quite fleshed out. I can see how the enigmatic aspects of this film could be irritating to some viewers. I, however, fell in love with the whole flavor of the film and accepted its flaws as part of the price of admission. I love how the characters more or less continually evaluate their partners for dependability, loyalty, capability and motives. And how the people that are good at that kind of work recognize what is important in each other. It's a classic cold war-type thriller (notwithstanding that it's post cold war). Sort of a noir James Bond film except way less cartoonish. The heros and villans are much less clearly defined and loyalities seem to shift quite a lot. And, of course, there are the car chases. What sets the chases apart from other great car chase movies is the authenticity (except for the fact that Natascha McElhone looks like she's never driven fast in her life...) The cars handle and sound appropriately and what a lineup of cars we are treated to! Many of Europe's finer large high-performance sedans including the great nitrous oxide infused Audi S8 and the classic Mercedes 6.9. I haven't checked out the credits closely, but I'm assuming they hired some rally pros because they were tossing those tanks around with beauty and skill. I showed this DVD to my folks because I knew my dad would appreciate the automobiles. I was pleased that my mom became totally captivated by the film's intrigue and gave it two thumbs up.
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