A great Hitchcock movie, and perhaps a homage to an American Actor

Rating: 8/10 (23 April 2008)

That the director of this film liked Hitchcock films is clearly evident. Though I would have to put also in there Brian De Palma (Another Hitchcock devotee) since the film was reminiscent for me of his film Obsession.
The movie is very suspenseful, though I have to admit very unreal. You mean to tell me you can be locked up for 15 years, watch TV, practice fighting by yourself, and knock out 22 guys at a time. Though perhaps one could think that these characters were told to make sure they didn't kill or triumph over this main character by the protagonist. Much of the other issues of the film, regarding his 15 years of captivity are in my opinion far fetched.
As for the age of the protagonist, on the DVD I saw, the commentary by the director gives his explanation of the youthfulness of the protagonist.
If you can stand the violence of this film, I recommend it, but I can't say I would want to see the other works of this director, though I believe some say his other two revenge films are better.
The acting by the lead actor is excellent, (Sorry that I can't put his name down), we see him go from this drunken fat slob, to becoming a supper man. Also something that I noticed, which others I don't believe have mentioned. When the main character becomes this superman, he bears a curious resemblance to an American actor who died the same year this film was released, that actor being Charles Bronson. Has anyone else noticed this?