Like reading a virtual comic book - filmmaking at it's very best

Rating: 10/10 (21 February 2011)

Style and substance works equally well here. Sin City is probably one of the most impressive movies I've ever seen in terms of cinematography. It has the look and touch of a real comic book film; watching it is almost like reading a virtual comic-book. Actually, everything visual in the film is spot on, right from the editing to the direction. The film is just pure eye candy, and I seriously doubt that any comic book adaptation, besides Burton's "Batman", will ever come close. While cinematography is not the only main ingredient for a comic book adaptation to be great, Sin City has all of the important ingredients it takes to be a great film, meaning you don't even have to be a comic-book fan to enjoy this.
For example a great supporting cast, with the likes of Michael Madsen, Elijah Wood, Benicio Del Toro, Jessica Alba, Rosario Dawson, Brittany Murphy and Josh Hartnett. Pretty much all of them are providing great screen presence throughout the entire film. The lead roles carry the show perfectly. Despite Mickey Rourke stealing the show, Clive Owen and Bruce Willis deliver brilliant, arguably career-defining performances. The powerful narrative from both Willis, Rourke and Owen adds a lot to the atmosphere, and (on top of the cinematography and direction) makes you feel that you are actually part of the film.
Sin City is hard and brutal. It is a pure comic book movie, yet it feels so realistic, both to look at but also the reality portrayed. I found myself rooting for the characters, and feeling sympathy for them despite their dark nature. To add the cherry on top, the screenplay was perfect.
Art movies usually fail because they lack a certain amount of entertainment. Sin City walks a very fine line between style and entertainment, and holds your attention for two and a half hours, without a single dull moment. There's basically something for everyone to enjoy (except for minors, or for the faint of heart), but for those of us who want our comic book movies rated mature, with great writing, intriguing plot, unforgettable performances, excellently portrayed realism and absolutely terrific cinematography, this film is a milestone in the history of comic book adaptations. I love this movie, and I am truly looking forward to Sin City 2 & 3.
One of the best comic-book movies ever made - Moose finds this film worthy of a 10.