They are elusive, taciturn, and disciplined. They use aliases. They are proficient with firearms, fluent in several languages, and are trained killers. They are masters of the art of espionage. These people are no ordinary spies; they are the elite unit known as the modernized "Ronin." This term, derived from feudal Japan, has been used to describe nomadic Samurais who serve no other purpose than to appease their lust for wealth. Now, these covert merciless men have a new mission: to retrieve a silver briefcase containing unparalleled merchandise...
Sam (Robert De Niro) and Vincent (Jean Reno) are two such mercenaries whose obligation it is to find the briefcase which has become the cynosure of all agents, operatives...and enemies. In the midst of this elaborate web of deceit is a mysterious woman, Diedre (Natasha McElhone) who is cognizant of the mercenaries' assignment. As Sam and Vincent dive deep into the heart of this conspiracy, they learn that no one is trustworthy...
The movie spirals down into a tale where lone warriors are immersed in a world of corruption, duplicity, and beguiling situations... These souls are about to enter the eye of the storm...
RONIN as a whole is a satisfactory thriller. This movie is helped by the exquisite Paris locations and a musical score which is illustriously orchestrated. Admittedly, the cast in RONIN is marvelous also. Both De Niro and Reno are crackling good as vindictive mercenaries willing to complete the mission at all costs. There are lots of compulsory high-energy gun-slinging action, immense shootouts, and destructive car crashes that pump ebullience into male audiences. The complicated story also keeps the acute, fecund mind thinking as well.
Evidently, with all the strengths RONIN has gathered, observers cannot omit this movie's weaknesses. The biggest foible in RONIN is the dearth of a constant motion. The car chases exist, but only rarely. It is also sad to announce that there are only two extensive car chase scenes in this entire movie. Still, even with this setback, these superbly choreographed action sequences do offer a worthwhile experience, especially for genre fans. Second, the plot is often incongruous and frustratingly perplexing. The audience tries vainly to comprehend what is the central theme of the story, but instead, they are wallowed in disconcertment, as the structure of the plot turns more complex. The surprises and double-crossings are also so intricate that they fail to engross the audiences. Third, sometimes the music tries to misleadingly elevate the tension, but that does not click. The suspense is intended, but these nail-biting moments just jump out of the window before they take place. This is a reference to an earlier statement pointing out how many supposedly "exciting" scenes turn out to be anticlimactic.
In short, RONIN is not nearly as entertaining as the film's premise promised to be. The direction by John Frankenheimer (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE) may
have efficacy, but the general product of this film just misses the mark. The professional acting by the stars is a plus and RONIN does contain some of the best action sequences in cinematic history. Still, the film just does not have that magical, cohesive finishing touch to be considered an explosive masterpiece. RONIN had the potential to be an outstanding, one-of-a-kind gritty thriller, but the filmmakers simply did not take advantage of all the elements given to them such as a high budget and an e script full of enticing ideas to help make this film profound. Be forewarned, overzealous action fans may feel crestfallen after seeing this sluggishly paced film...
Tallying up all of the strengths and shortcomings, RONIN is a moderate hit.
RATING: **1/2 out of ****.
Sam (Robert De Niro) and Vincent (Jean Reno) are two such mercenaries whose obligation it is to find the briefcase which has become the cynosure of all agents, operatives...and enemies. In the midst of this elaborate web of deceit is a mysterious woman, Diedre (Natasha McElhone) who is cognizant of the mercenaries' assignment. As Sam and Vincent dive deep into the heart of this conspiracy, they learn that no one is trustworthy...
The movie spirals down into a tale where lone warriors are immersed in a world of corruption, duplicity, and beguiling situations... These souls are about to enter the eye of the storm...
RONIN as a whole is a satisfactory thriller. This movie is helped by the exquisite Paris locations and a musical score which is illustriously orchestrated. Admittedly, the cast in RONIN is marvelous also. Both De Niro and Reno are crackling good as vindictive mercenaries willing to complete the mission at all costs. There are lots of compulsory high-energy gun-slinging action, immense shootouts, and destructive car crashes that pump ebullience into male audiences. The complicated story also keeps the acute, fecund mind thinking as well.
Evidently, with all the strengths RONIN has gathered, observers cannot omit this movie's weaknesses. The biggest foible in RONIN is the dearth of a constant motion. The car chases exist, but only rarely. It is also sad to announce that there are only two extensive car chase scenes in this entire movie. Still, even with this setback, these superbly choreographed action sequences do offer a worthwhile experience, especially for genre fans. Second, the plot is often incongruous and frustratingly perplexing. The audience tries vainly to comprehend what is the central theme of the story, but instead, they are wallowed in disconcertment, as the structure of the plot turns more complex. The surprises and double-crossings are also so intricate that they fail to engross the audiences. Third, sometimes the music tries to misleadingly elevate the tension, but that does not click. The suspense is intended, but these nail-biting moments just jump out of the window before they take place. This is a reference to an earlier statement pointing out how many supposedly "exciting" scenes turn out to be anticlimactic.
In short, RONIN is not nearly as entertaining as the film's premise promised to be. The direction by John Frankenheimer (THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE) may
have efficacy, but the general product of this film just misses the mark. The professional acting by the stars is a plus and RONIN does contain some of the best action sequences in cinematic history. Still, the film just does not have that magical, cohesive finishing touch to be considered an explosive masterpiece. RONIN had the potential to be an outstanding, one-of-a-kind gritty thriller, but the filmmakers simply did not take advantage of all the elements given to them such as a high budget and an e script full of enticing ideas to help make this film profound. Be forewarned, overzealous action fans may feel crestfallen after seeing this sluggishly paced film...
Tallying up all of the strengths and shortcomings, RONIN is a moderate hit.
RATING: **1/2 out of ****.