Customer Reviews

Shopping

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Here's the plot- some cool criminals in a not too distant future industrial London steal cars, only to drive them into posh shopping malls to loot what they can before hearing police sirens, basically for the rush- wicked. This debut from PAUL ANDERSON (EVENT HORIZON) is a nifty little film that manages to exite in it's short running time. Gritty and well acted by some up and comming English talent (SEAN PERTWEE is excellent as usual as a tough scumbag), this flick has some slick production for an indie. A movie that looks good, moves with purpose, and draws the viewer into a world of grime and crime is always worth it.

This was an amazing piece of cinema. Soundtrack, acting, and cinematography was wonderful. It is a bit dated now, but otherwise well done. It never tries to justify what these people do and how they live, but merely make us understand why they do it, and maybe have some sympathy as well. They treat life like ride and they have to face the consequences: it shows we eventually have to take responsibility for our actions, no matter how fast we run (or drive) away from them.
Sean Pertwee's performance as a drug-addicted, crime tycoon was especially good. He had a constant flow of energy just under the surface, making him seem unpredictable and dangerous, which he is.

This is one of those films that you have to watch, if not have. The lo-budget rawness of the acting, nihilistic action and setting really make this one stand out more than anything than Paul Anderson has done (Event Horizon, Mortal Kombat and other big-budget busts).

Immediately I was intrigued by the performances of Sadie Frost and Jude Law and by the gritty, post-industrial setting of the Bowery-equivalent of London.

Paul Anderson defintely has a knack for picking the best techno soundtracks, remember Mortal Kombat? Go see it and then buy it. It's not even a cult film yet but it will be!

As a huge Jude Law fan, I was interested to check out this British curiosity from 1994. It's a strange film representing disenfranchised youths which is part action mayhem with slight undertones of sci-fi. "Shopping" is, perhaps, what one would call a great example of style over substance. The "near future" setting creates an interesting visual mood, the soundtrack is propulsive, the camera work is stylized, and the leads are certainly attractive. Better at evoking an ambience than telling a story, "Shopping" tends to divide audiences. As a love it or hate it proposition, however, I fall somewhat in the middle. There tends to be little in actual character development and, thus, our principles can appear quite unlikable--but for those that like fast cars and loud wrecks, there is much to recommend "Shopping."

Law, with Sadie Frost (prior to their marriage and subsequent divorce), plays part of a gang of teens who for sport steal cars, joyride, and for that extra thrill--smash the cars through plate glass windows! Then they trash the places they've crashed into--really a charming hobby. There is an anarchy to the bunch, a nihilism, a selfishness. While I think the film wants us to ascribe a deeper socio-political meaning to their acts of rebellion--in truth, they just come off as a bunch of criminal brats. Anyone who has a different purpose, aside from meandering through the chaos, is instantly positioned as a villain whether it's Jonathan Pryce as a policeman trying to help straighten the kids out or Sean Pertwee as a cohort who might turn into a real gangster. Of course, everything boils down to a final job and a final confrontation but the ending may leave some wanting.

"Shopping" does have a certain appeal, but it lacks a strong screenplay or thru-line. I enjoyed it well enough once, but I'd probably not watch it again. I was mainly interested in the actors and the "Blade Runner" visuals. With so many films of a similar nature available, I'm not sure whether "Shopping" is distinctive enough or solid enough to be accepted as a noteworthy new DVD for modern viewers (especially younger ones that will lack a certain nostalgia factor). If it sounds like your thing, you'll probably like "Shopping." A curiosity, at best, the film lacks the focus or conviction to make it truly great. But it's always good to see Sean Bean (a gangster, of course). KGHarris, 1/11.

Shopping was a cult hit throughout Britain several decades ago and should be treated as such. While I love this film, it is not for everyone. The action and plot line are not what you would expect, should you be looking for some English version of Gone in 60 Seconds. However, those of you who appreciate artsy British independent cinema (as well as some scenes with young Sean Bean, Jason Isaacs, and Sean Pertwee...worth drooling over) will really enjoy this film.

As a huge Jude Law fan, I was interested to check out this British curiosity from 1994. It's a strange film representing disenfranchised youths which is part action mayhem with slight undertones of sci-fi. "Shopping" is, perhaps, what one would call a great example of style over substance. The "near future" setting creates an interesting visual mood, the soundtrack is propulsive, the camera work is stylized, and the leads are certainly attractive. Better at evoking an ambience than telling a story, "Shopping" tends to divide audiences. As a love it or hate it proposition, however, I fall somewhat in the middle. There tends to be little in actual character development and, thus, our principles can appear quite unlikable--but for those that like fast cars and loud wrecks, there is much to recommend "Shopping."

Law, with Sadie Frost (prior to their marriage and subsequent divorce), plays part of a gang of teens who for sport steal cars, joyride, and for that extra thrill--smash the cars through plate glass windows! Then they trash the places they've crashed into--really a charming hobby. There is an anarchy to the bunch, a nihilism, a selfishness. While I think the film wants us to ascribe a deeper socio-political meaning to their acts of rebellion--in truth, they just come off as a bunch of criminal brats. Anyone who has a different purpose, aside from meandering through the chaos, is instantly positioned as a villain whether it's Jonathan Pryce as a policeman trying to help straighten the kids out or Sean Pertwee as a cohort who might turn into a real gangster. Of course, everything boils down to a final job and a final confrontation but the ending may leave some wanting.

"Shopping" does have a certain appeal, but it lacks a strong screenplay or thru-line. I enjoyed it well enough once, but I'd probably not watch it again. I was mainly interested in the actors and the "Blade Runner" visuals. With so many films of a similar nature available, I'm not sure whether "Shopping" is distinctive enough or solid enough to be accepted as a noteworthy new DVD for modern viewers (especially younger ones that will lack a certain nostalgia factor). If it sounds like your thing, you'll probably like "Shopping." A curiosity, at best, the film lacks the focus or conviction to make it truly great. But it's always good to see Sean Bean (a gangster, of course). KGHarris, 1/11.

Wow, I love this flic. This movie has a different feel to it, being made in England probably explains it. The setting reminds me of the Crow, a nice dark world where the younger people dress like later 80's post New Wave people. The techno sound track plays nicely into the intensity of high speed car chases. I watch the character steal nice cars and crash them into nice stores to steal a couple simple items and run off off while being chased by cops. There is something in this movie that really addresses something the early 20's age group have to deal with, finding a reason to grow up. A Great flic...

This film about big city boredom could have been written about any young people in any industrialized nation in the world. Jude Law plays an angst ridden young man, recently out of jail, dogged by bad decisions, an embarrassment to his family, who chooses the thrill of stealing cars and crashing them into shopping malls to "shop" as a way to add a missing something to his life. He's at odds with a gang of vicious thugs that are bent on his destruction. The film is well done for the most part, but it feels like there's something missing - some critical piece just around the corner, hovering just out of sight - that will make it all come together. Jude Law does well, but even then it's only good, not great.

What can i say this movie is not for most people. It is in a class of its own. It takes guts to make a movie like this. Death,destruction, car chases, cheesey british rock. It almost reminds me of vanishing point meats darkcity its a classic in my book.

A truly unique film with, admittingly, a sort of non-sensical plot line. However, this can overlooked. Superb dramatic acting by Sadie Frost and Jude Law. It really must be seen for one to admire the beautiful that this film is :)