Amazing

Rating: 8/10 (10 May 2005)

It's not often, but once in a while when i watch a movie i feel that i'm watching something truly unique. And that is one of the most rewarding things that can happen while watching a movie. "Sin City" is unique.
It's hard to know where to start when reviewing this movie. It's really something that has to be experienced. And i can immediately say that it will certainly not be for everyone. It's broken-up storyline, it's excessive violence and comic-book style hardly suits everyone. But for me it was a feast for the eyes.
And "a feast for the eyes" is also the first impression as well as the lasting one. How insanely well-made the visuals are in this movie. Every frame of the movie is just so incredibly well-made and thought out. The elegant use of color vs. black-and-white, the comic-book hues. Everything about Sin City just looks amazing.
The second lasting impression for me was the acting. Sometimes, once in a rare while, directors manage to get the absolute best out of their actors. This is one of those times. Bruce Willis, Mickey Rourke, Clive Owen, Nick Stahl.. I could really mention all of the cast because they all perform wonderfully. It just seems like every single actor was so well tuned into the project that it was natural for them to act the way they do. Outstanding.
Last but not least, the third lasting impression is just how violent this movie is. I'm usually no fan of excessive violence, simply because there is seldom a need for it. Here though it's done with more style and flare than in most cases and i wasn't really bothered with it. Also the use of colors lessen the effect, giving it all the more of the comic-book feeling.
Trying to summarize this review is not easy. This is an outstanding movie in my opinion. I wouldn't rate it as the best i've seen this year, but by far the most interesting. I would also have to say that it's perhaps the best comic-book adaption i've seen to date, which is to say a lot considering how many such movies have come out in the last few years. The movie rises above the competition not least because it really feels like a comic-book. I was very much reminded of the computer game "Max Payne" myself. Both that game and this movie capitalizes on just how atmospheric a comic book can be.
In the end this is a beautiful, amazingly stylish, wonderfully acted movie. It guards it's comic-book roots carefully and makes the most of them. The directing felt sensitive and with a definite fingertip feeling. One of the movie experiences of this year for sure. I rate it 8/10.