Ben The Storyteller

Rating: 7/10 (28 May 2015)

I think this film is on par with "The French Connection". The main reasons are the realism, and that the human drama does not dominate the plot. We know enough to care for the characters, but never to the degree of forgetting that it is indeed a Boston story, and not a story of these individuals. Ben Affleck is successful directing this film, mainly, I presume, because he is a true appreciator of a well-made film. This film does not pretend to intellectually analyze Boston and its crime-related history. It does not even try to present itself as a great film. It simply tells a good story that grabs our attention for two full hours. As a foreigner, I feel strongly that such characters exist and roam around the city, especially in those days. That is how good the film is. Another personal surprise for me is that I have no urge to read "The Prince of Thieves", which this film is based on. Normally, I feel like going to the book that inspires a good film. I simply feel adequate about the story and in no mood to know more. This is a success as a film. No need for other supplements to make it worthwhile or meaningful. New filmmakers should learn from this film. You do not need to turn the world around yourself in every piece of film you make. All you need to do is to find a good story, write it nicely as a film, and make the damned film for the purpose to entertain and make us feel. If there is any more morals, we the audience will point out for you. No need to put anything down our throats. I respect you for respecting the art of filmmaking, Mr. Affleck.