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12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Bulletproof Heart, June 21, 2000
This haunting film noir melodrama from Canada should be called, simply,"Irony". When you go back over it afterwards, you'll see all the many little twists and tugs. It requires at least one or two more goings over to fully appreciate the poetic justices and injustices visited upon the anti-hero and his fellow night dwellers. Anthony Lapaglia is, as usual, outstanding, only in a far more restrained vain. His New York/New Jersey hit-man has "lost" his "way", as his aging veteran boss, played by the flawless Peter Boyle, guesses. Young, good-looking, wealthy, unattached-Mick would seem to have the world by the tail, if only it weren't for the fact that he kills people for a living and as of late is having trouble finding meaning in life. He is gotten to the point, in fact, where he toys with killing for no reason-a dangerous line for him to cross, as pointed out by George. Experiencing this torment of the soul after his last hit- a "fiasco", where he had to make a second, successful attempt on the mark-George nonethless begs him to do a hit that same night on a woman for whom George has come to feel extreme affection. (You'll find out why.) Mick reluctantly agrees, bringing along his loose cannon of a best friend, played with whiny innocence by that adorable goof, Matt Craven. Now for the first big twist: the edgy woman, played with uniquely approachable, very real glamour by Mimi Rogers, knows its coming,and has resigned herself to it. In fact, as we find out, she wants to die. You'll have to see it to find out why. When you realize what is going on, your heart will go thump. This goes from quirky film noir to Shakespeare in one deft moment during a most unusual picnic. The story and cast take this film to a conclusion that is sure to shock you, but shouldn't really surprise you. You'll see the nifty clues director Mark Malone has scattered throughout the flick upon later viewings. As warned by others, take the video all the way through past the final credits to the epilogue. The lesson will hit you full in the face, and probably disturb your sleep that night.
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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Ironic Modern-day Noir brilliantly performed., September 11, 1999
This is one that seems to have slipped under the radar, yet is one of the most unusual, moving, films of its genre. Anthony LaPaglia, who's played mob hitmen before, subtly adds an intriguing twist to his usual fine performances. Mimi Rogers, another underappreciated talent, like LaPaglia, who even reduced Rush Limbaugh to speechlessness, portrays an icy beauty who knows full well how she is able to influence men. She just can't turn it off. The Noir influence here touches everything, even the actors who all wear an ironic, world-weary mask, down to the cryptic title cards. Even the opening song, "Love is all Around" used more sentimentally in "4 Weddings and a Funeral" is a deadpan anthem to characters who long since stopped feeling anything. Why does Mick fall for Fiona, despite having been on 'jobs' before? It can't be just the sex scene, although interesting for the power exchange. Is Fiona so vulnerable? Once her secret is revealed it would appear that way. Just watch the moment in the warehouse when she whispers in Archie's ear. What about Archie, the bumbling, would-be assistant? The movie seems to hinge on what should be done, needs to be done, as when Fiona begs a trembling Mick "Be brave for me, my darling," and Archie crowing "I'm a guy" are for all the wrong reasons. The climax is shocking enough, but the coda, rolling after the final credits, will have you creeped out for days.
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7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Badass Babe!, September 16, 2000
Anthony LaPaglia is an extremely successful hit man who is hired to whack Mimi Rogers. Problem is that THIS hit man, way down deep inside, is a lonely romantic, and is smitten by his mark. If you think you've heard this one before, think again. Very unusual, very romantic, and a love story that you will never forget. Mimi also shows us how tough a woman can be.
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