I thoroughly enjoyed 'Ashes to Ashes'. I wasn't expecting a lot from an ultra-low budget film made back in 1999 but I was pleasantly surprised by how unique this film is. As a tribute to 1970's films and all their clichés and stereotypes 'Ashes to Ashes' is very effective and owes much to the style in which Bruce Lee's 'Return of the Dragon' was shot.
It features the unusual association of a well-spoken Black British criminal with an ill-tempered Chinese Triad enforcer whose stand out moment is a hilarious argument regarding a hypothetical fight between Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali. Far from being stupid, this scene very effectively illustrates the underlying tension between the men and foreshadows a betrayal later on in the story. Jason Ninh Cao who played Nelson Kong went on to do a similar role in the Guy Ritchie film 'Snatch' which interestingly has the quote 'I don't care if he's Muhammad, I'm hard Bruce Lee.' Another very memorable scene involves the character Muhammed Armen receiving a phone call during the violent interrogation of a Triad Boss. Initially we are led to believe that this call is somehow related to criminal activity until Muhammed asks, "Why did she pull the head off of your Action Man?" Muhammed's wife has called him so that he could discipline his young children who are fighting. As he warns his son that 'only sissies hit girls' his associates are violently beating an elderly man in the same room.
The main character Gabriel Darbeaux is introduced in the film's second scene where he is cornered by several thugs. After skilfully using nunchaku to fight them off, we realise that Gabriel was having a bad dream. We see that he is typing a story entitled 'Ashes to Ashes' and throughout the film there is uncertainty regarding whether some events actually took place or were a part of the story that Gabriel is writing.
Trotman's script is quite complex and those casually watching are likely to find themselves lost. The dialogue is entertaining without trying to be constantly funny. The humour is dark and the film takes itself more seriously as it progresses.
Unlike many films of this genre the fight scenes do not involve wire-work or flashy techniques that no self-respecting martial artist would ever use in a real fight. Fights are quick, brutal and realistic. The techniques are not perfect, as one would expect in a perfectly choreographed fantasy. Gabriel Darbeaux is not a super human being with impossible strength and stamina. Anyone who has either seen or been involved in a real fight will understand and appreciate what I'm talking about.
The soundtrack for 'Ashes to Ashes' produced by Trotman is truly excellent and brings an additional edge to the film which was shot in what could be described as a cross between a documentary and a music video. Trotman's name appears frequently in the film's credits fuelling some criticism. Nevertheless he has created a film that is unique, enjoyable, dares to be different and challenges established boundaries in true British tradition.
It features the unusual association of a well-spoken Black British criminal with an ill-tempered Chinese Triad enforcer whose stand out moment is a hilarious argument regarding a hypothetical fight between Bruce Lee and Muhammad Ali. Far from being stupid, this scene very effectively illustrates the underlying tension between the men and foreshadows a betrayal later on in the story. Jason Ninh Cao who played Nelson Kong went on to do a similar role in the Guy Ritchie film 'Snatch' which interestingly has the quote 'I don't care if he's Muhammad, I'm hard Bruce Lee.' Another very memorable scene involves the character Muhammed Armen receiving a phone call during the violent interrogation of a Triad Boss. Initially we are led to believe that this call is somehow related to criminal activity until Muhammed asks, "Why did she pull the head off of your Action Man?" Muhammed's wife has called him so that he could discipline his young children who are fighting. As he warns his son that 'only sissies hit girls' his associates are violently beating an elderly man in the same room.
The main character Gabriel Darbeaux is introduced in the film's second scene where he is cornered by several thugs. After skilfully using nunchaku to fight them off, we realise that Gabriel was having a bad dream. We see that he is typing a story entitled 'Ashes to Ashes' and throughout the film there is uncertainty regarding whether some events actually took place or were a part of the story that Gabriel is writing.
Trotman's script is quite complex and those casually watching are likely to find themselves lost. The dialogue is entertaining without trying to be constantly funny. The humour is dark and the film takes itself more seriously as it progresses.
Unlike many films of this genre the fight scenes do not involve wire-work or flashy techniques that no self-respecting martial artist would ever use in a real fight. Fights are quick, brutal and realistic. The techniques are not perfect, as one would expect in a perfectly choreographed fantasy. Gabriel Darbeaux is not a super human being with impossible strength and stamina. Anyone who has either seen or been involved in a real fight will understand and appreciate what I'm talking about.
The soundtrack for 'Ashes to Ashes' produced by Trotman is truly excellent and brings an additional edge to the film which was shot in what could be described as a cross between a documentary and a music video. Trotman's name appears frequently in the film's credits fuelling some criticism. Nevertheless he has created a film that is unique, enjoyable, dares to be different and challenges established boundaries in true British tradition.