Ronin Review
by "Neil Smith" (neil AT ytech DOT co DOT za)February 25th, 1999
Ronin
Rating: 81 %
Starring: Robert DeNiro Jean Reno Natasha McElhone
Director: John Frankenheimer
After the dismal and complete disaster that was the 'Island of Dr Moreau, director John Frankenheimer could only do better in his next big screen effort. Well he has just done that. Ronin is an intriguing , but most of all a thrilling rollercoaster ride full of twists and turns and on the edge of your seat excitment. Just like the recent 'Negotiator' I was expecting another average action movie with the usual explosions and some above average acting. I was yet again surprised. And I do like surprises.
In Japan, a samurai must protect their master with their lives. The samurai whose master was killed was a disgrace, and they were forced to wander the land, looking for work as hired swords or assassins. A masterless warrior were reffered to as 'ronin'.
We are introduced to an array of enigmatic characters basically covering all four corners of the earth. We have an Irish contact called Deidre (Natasha McElhone), an American who has a great deal of knowledge regarding battle strategies and weapons (DeNiro), an English weapon specialist (Sean Bean), a French operative (Jean Reno) and another American that is the driver (Skip Sudduth).
It is set in the post Cold War era. A group of skilled people are hired to collect a certain mysterious briefcase, which stays a mystery until the end just like in 'Pulp Fiction'. Nobody is told what it contains or given any specific details. All the group knows is that it is always guarded by a group of bodyguards and that it is handcuffed to a man's arm. What they do know is that the price is high. And they are doing this job only for the money.
The movie is a wonderful action thriller. Probably the best I have seen in years. It is a wonderful tourism ad for Paris and Nice, showcasing the marvellous scenery. I have not seen Europe in all its splendour in a very long time since Harrison Ford's 'Frantic'. The movies these days only shows you cities somewhere in America like New York. I know New York so well by now, and I have not even been there yet. It has some amazing stunts and action sequences ever. There are two LONG car chasing scenes that is totally awesome. It is so exciting I did not want it to end. Action , action , action all the way.
The performances from the entire cast are all superb. DeNiro(Cape Fear; Heat) is great as usual. The scene where he guides Jean Reno and his mysterious friend to help him remove a bullet was quite funny and convincing. Reno (Godzilla; Professional) is an actor France should be more proud of more than Gerard Depardieu. He has really made a name for himself across the globe and especially in Tinsel Town. Natasha McElhone(Truman Show) as the Irish contact is quite convincing even with her Irish accent.She is one to watch out for in the future.
In conclusion all I can say is that if you like Die Hard then this is your movie. Miss it at your own peril.
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