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Features: DVD
In London 1973, Willie Parker (Terence Stamp) betrays his fellow crooks. In Spain, 1983, Parker is violently snatched from his tranquil village retreat by hitman Braddock (John Hurt) and his sidekick (Tim Roth), who are surprised to find out they have a completely willing victim on their hands. This new development throws Braddock completely off balance! With the police on their tail, plans change and they pick up a seductive but unwilling hostage (Laura del Sol). Now the police inspector is closing in on the killer going soft, the inexperienced accomplice, the desperate and sexy hostage and the would-be victim who is completely wrapped up in his dreams of death.
"Sly, offbeat... Sharp, often very funny and doggedly unpredictable." Leonard Maltin
Editor's Note
Willie Parker (Terence Stamp) is a mobster-turned informant living in relative seclusion and philosophical exile in rural Spain, until he is kidnapped one day and delivered to Braddock (John Hurt), a calculating and maniacal hit man who has been hired to deliver Parker to Paris, where his execution will take place. Braddock's partner, Myron (Tim Roth) is a young punkish fellow with an impulsive and violent streak. As they set out for Paris they realize they are being followed and must stop in Madrid to pick up a new car. They also acquire another hostage, Maggie (Laura Del Sol), whose boyfriend was killed for the car. Tension and the threat of violence hovers over every scene of the movie, creating a claustrophobic atmosphere that mirrors the confines of the car as they drive through miles of beautifully shot desert. Fast paced flamenco music from Spanish great Paco De Lucia ignites the screen and creates a haunting and moody atmosphere.The fine ensemble work from the brilliant cast members helps to create this richly woven and darkly humorous ride.
Plot Summary
John Hurt stars as Braddock, a cruel and calculating hitman who is hired to transport Willie Parker (Terence Stamp), a kidnapped mobster turned informant, across the desert of Spain to Paris, where Willie will face execution. Braddock is accompanied by his youthful and blood thirsty assistant Myron (Tim Roth), who is eager to please the professional hitman. This suspenseful and dark comedy/thriller is loaded with tension and hard-hitting action delivered with ease by its marvelous ensemble cast.
| Features | Audio: English Dolby Digital Surround | | Interactive Menus | | Scene Selection |
| Technical Info
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Release Information
| | Studio: Artisan |
| Release Date: 11/19/2002 |
| Running Time: 98 minutes |
| Original Release Date: 1985 | | Catalog ID: 13459 | | UPC: 00012236134596 | | Number of Discs: 1 |
Audio & Video
| | Original Language: English | | Available Audio Tracks: English | | Video: Color |
Aspect Ratio | | 4:3 |
| Cast & Crew
| Awards |
British Academy Awards (1985) | | | Tim Roth, Nominee, Best Outstanding Newcomer |
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| | Professional Reviews | Variety
"...[An] astringent, sardonically funny thriller....Richly inventive....[The] acting is marvelous..." 05/23/1984Los Angeles Times
"...Frears has a fine, strong personal style -- a mixture of visual audacity and a lovely sensitivity with his actors..." 04/18/1985 p.C3 Premiere
"[A] quirky, proto-Tarantino road movie about two gangsters..." 04/01/2006 p.104 Leonard Maltin's Movie & Video Guide 7 of 10
Sly, offbeat film about a criminal stool pigeon (Stamp) who's been in hiding for ten years but whose time has just run out: two hit men have tracked him down. Sharp, often very funny, and doggedly unpredictable. - Leonard Maltin
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