One of the few films to truly create a new language in cinema

Rating: 8/10 (7 January 2008)

Devastatingly stylish yet extremely violent and with a fetishised view of female sexuality this is a spectacular film.
The monochrome comic-book visuals drive the story along with rare and intense splashes of colour to complement the gritty dialogue and performances.
Effectively the film is three vignettes, stories from the soaked streets of Basin City, in a reality that could be today.
The strongest performance is by Mickey Rourke as the tough Marv, punching his way through every scene. Bruce Willis plays cop Hartigan with conviction, but Clive Owen is less convincing as Dwight. This is not a film for a twisted Englishman, American muscle is what it takes. However Dwight's story is perhaps the most authentic, the others wandering a little too far into fantasy violence.
The female cast manage to bring depth to what are superficially roles based on arousing lust and caution, in particular Brittany Murphy as waitress Shellie. Although the film kneels at the altar of female power, it isn't about female empowerment. Sin City remains fundamentally a man's world.
Recommended if you have the stomach for what is without a doubt a standout piece of extreme cinema.