The most surprising, exciting, and thought-provoking science fiction film since 2006's "Children of Men".

Rating: 8/10 (24 March 2009)

I'm not sure what I just saw. I went into the cinema expecting a cliché-ridden film with great special effects and the usual Hollywood fare, nothing more, nothing less. Oh, and Cage trying his best to still flaunt his haunted action hero persona.
How happy, in both cases, was I to be proved oh so utterly WRONG, because "Know1ng" is NOT your usual Hollywood cliché-fest, instead it may just very well be the most surprising film you've seen in AGES, if not ever. Why? Because it is fun, hugely exciting and entertaining to watch, and at the same time makes us think deep. Very, very deep.
The acting, while the only thing maintaining anything Hollywood, is above average. Cage delivers a surprisingly great performance as the hero, the professor who tries to solve the puzzle and save lives. He is a standout in the film, and I can finally say that he has redeemed himself after that unintentional laugh-fest called "The Wicker Man". Everyone else is just fine, but the kids' acting are the only minor flaw - their acting is, there goes that word again, clichéd.
In terms of storytelling, it succeeds in every count. The story starts out as simple, typical Hollywood fare. Expect the usual clichés for the next 100 minutes, or so I thought. Now imagine that every cliché you can think of being thrown out the window, or rather, blown up to smithereens. Yes, this film not only challenges the clichés by the film's second half, it completely destroys them. People, this is the disaster film we've all been waiting for. It keeps you on the edge of your seat even after the apotheotical ending. The ending...oh God... I can't say it, although I know a lot of people will be divided over it. You're gonna have to see it for yourself to believe it. I'll give you a hint though - think Neon Genesis Evangelion.
The technical aspects of the movie is also excellent. Director Alex Proyas... I liked "I,Robot", I absolutely LOVED "Dark City". This is close to "Dark City". I can proudly say that "Know1ng" is one of Proyas' very best films. His direction is taut, kinetic and intense throughout the film, and he does have a visual eye for some scenes. The tone of the film is dark and suspenseful, and that's a good thing. The special effects are terrific. For a US$50 million budgeted film the special effects are nicely handled and very believable. Accompanying all of this is Marco Beltrami's (yay!) music score which fits the movie really well and sets the overall mood for the film. Especially when he uses a piece of classical music for a powerful scene.
This movie raises a lot, and do I mean a LOT, of questions. If I explain them here in detail it will spoil the movie. The questions posed are bleak, disturbing, and mind-bending. This film has not got me thinking like mad since "Children of Men" three years ago.
I walked into the cinema hall expecting a fast-paced, popcorn munching good time, to be hugely entertained by Nic Cage and his heroic antics to save the world. I got much, much more than I bargained for. Good thing, because I spent the entire week haunted and thinking about the movie. I'm still thinking about it even as I type this review! And I think most people will too.
Thanks to the rightfully misleading marketing campaign, the public are in for a treat. This is a film that deserves the success, and it has to be seen and appreciated for a long time. I'm sorry if the review does not sound like it's giving the right rating, but believe me, if I had to review it in full detail I'd have to spoil the movie. This film is an absolute jolt to the eyes and head, and with scenes that will leave you talking, thinking and guessing, this movie is one of the greatest disaster movies ever made, it should be placed alongside Irwin Allen's earlier hits. Go see this movie, you won't be disappointed. Cage is back in top form, and he'd have Proyas to thank for that.
Overall: 9/10