The so-called twisty plot quickly becomes obvious, the dialog is wooden, the actors are mostly ordinary-looking (the world is filled with ordinary-looking people, myself included - I don't watch escapist movies in order to spend my time looking at more of the same). There's no motivation for someone to hire "the guy" to cause gangster Burt's elimination (presumably at significant expense, considering the risks that the guy takes) - Burt seems to be doing a good job laundering money through his bar for the mob. The relationship between Burt and his wife becomes frayed because they aren't open and honest with each other - what a fascinating original idea! At the end, the guy, supposedly a master psychological manipulator, is left mouthing inane directives that wouldn't (and don't) motivate anyone to do what he wants. Also at the end, Burt and his wife re-bond over shooting the guy, but there's no motivation for their act except "let's get rid of him" and no indication that their reconciliation is based on any transparency and understanding of what drove them apart. The movie is just a shoddy realization of what someone obviously thought would be a good idea.
10 Reviews
Another worst film! A bit twisting at the end, but overall quite bored, and not intense! Should have done better!
kwenchow25 May 2020
Warning: Spoilers
This film start with a man "Guy" telling another man "Burt", he copulate with his wife "Teri", and he beating up by Burt scene! As turnout, this film is about Guy working for an organization to ruin any couple relationship, and he eventually kill by Burt and Teri! Entire film full of boring conversation almost every single scene! Make the film unwatchable! Barely intense scene is, Burt shot the man owe his money to death! At the end, Burt and Teri found out they set up by Guy, and both of them kill Guy! That's it! Wasting time to watch!
Thrill !! No
kagey-287692 January 2022
Ludicrous junk !! Can't really think how anyone decided to finance this
There is no logic , point or story It's lit like a supermarket!!
More of the same poorly written , poorly made stuff that all these new streaming channels have !!
There is no logic , point or story It's lit like a supermarket!!
More of the same poorly written , poorly made stuff that all these new streaming channels have !!
Fine time movie
Turgut_Belen22 February 2020
really good movie...
lifelinespublishing11 February 2020
Decided to try this out after some positive reviews and high ratings, the story was really good, not a boring scene if I may say.....the pacing was fast and the ending was okay and I was suspecting that it might happen but I really enjoyed, kudos to all the actors and it's good that the guy from Oceans 11, 12 and 13 is here as well....
Good Psychology
lavatch25 November 2022
Warning: Spoilers
"Cruel Hearts" made especially strong use of human psychology in the genre of dark comedy. The standout character with no name is simply identified as the "guy" in the film credits. He might best be described as a wise guy.
By profession, the guy is a self-described eliminator. But as opposed to being a conventional hit man, he entraps his victims through a subtle psychological process, carefully guiding them to do themselves in. Giving them sufficient rope, the "guy" allows his prey to hang themselves.
The guy's assignment is to drive a wedge between the criminal Burt Walker and his wife Teri, potentially leading them to kill each other. Burt comes to think that Teri has been unfaithful. Teri comes to believe that her husband is about to be arrested by the FBI. Things come to a head in a terrific ending in a hotel room.
One of the best scenes in the film was the protracted conversation between the guy and Grace, a late-night waitress in a diner. When Grace asks him to demonstrate his technique of finding a person's weak point by using her as an example, he describes how Grace's vulnerable area is time. By the end of the talk, it is clear that he is referring to her age and how time has run out on her dreams. It was a heartbreaking scene.
The performances were first-rate and the screenplay was superb in taking a different approach to a film about crime. This is a gem of a film and a sleeper well-worth viewing.
By profession, the guy is a self-described eliminator. But as opposed to being a conventional hit man, he entraps his victims through a subtle psychological process, carefully guiding them to do themselves in. Giving them sufficient rope, the "guy" allows his prey to hang themselves.
The guy's assignment is to drive a wedge between the criminal Burt Walker and his wife Teri, potentially leading them to kill each other. Burt comes to think that Teri has been unfaithful. Teri comes to believe that her husband is about to be arrested by the FBI. Things come to a head in a terrific ending in a hotel room.
One of the best scenes in the film was the protracted conversation between the guy and Grace, a late-night waitress in a diner. When Grace asks him to demonstrate his technique of finding a person's weak point by using her as an example, he describes how Grace's vulnerable area is time. By the end of the talk, it is clear that he is referring to her age and how time has run out on her dreams. It was a heartbreaking scene.
The performances were first-rate and the screenplay was superb in taking a different approach to a film about crime. This is a gem of a film and a sleeper well-worth viewing.
Surprise surprise!
windsorenquirer12 February 2020
Great Indie!
Sub5026 January 2020
Really enjoyed this movie. I was hooked during the first big exchange between Burt and Guy and it never let up. The story was unique, which seems to be a rarity these days with all the sequels and remakes. It's refreshing that someone in Hollywood can still have an original idea. I gave it five stars for that fact alone. Buy or rent this movie. You won't be disappointed.
Had a great time watching this
jwbrown442023 January 2020
What a fantastic indie....
CraigNewman197312 February 2020
I'm no shill (i'm from the UK for crying out loud) but this little piece is expertly crafted Granted it's a bit patchy, but i think the director and actors involved were great, plus the writing was superb..A great ride, and one hopes the director goes on to bigger and better things. Solid 9 for effort alone.
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