Ronin

Starring: Robert DeNiro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgard, Sean Bean, Michael Lonsdale, Jonathan Pryce, Ron Perkins
Directed by: John Frankenheimer
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Drama
1998

Times Seen:
Tim: 2

Summary: A former agent (Robert DeNiro) teams with a group of guns mercenaries to track down a mysterious package.

Review:

Tim: I've seen Ronin twice now, and I still don't really feel like I've seen it. That speaks to two things- 1. The movie is complex and intelligent, requiring multiple viewings. 2. The movie isn't as memorable as it needs to be. I vacillate between these two truths with the film. On the one hand, I love that the story is written with real intelligent. So many movies offer up the lowest common denominator, trying to appeal to the widest audience, without leaving anybody out. I dislike those movies. I love that this film features a smart script, intelligent dialogue, and a twisting story. That creates the feeling that you really have to see this film multiple times to really "get" it. On the other hand, the movie is a bit too forgettable. There are some terrific sequences in the film, but large parts of the movie left my memory almost as soon as I finished the film. This is a very good movie, but it's not close to great.

When I watch this movie, I am simultaneously entertained, yet still have the feeling that what I'm watching isn't quite as good as it could have been. The film features a strong cast, interesting events, and good action, but it feels like something is missing. I wanted it to be more than a movie about a macguffin. Director John Frankenheimer creates an exciting, taut ride- yet is missing a bit on the meaning. Why does any of this matter in the end? Ronin never quite answers that question.

I love the cast, though. Robert DeNiro is terrific. I love movies where he plays these experienced, seen-it-all characters. The best scenes of the film are when he's pushing those around him to be better, asking the questions no one else thinks to ask. I really thought he did a terrific job in the film. It's one of his better roles of the latter part of his career. He works really well with Jean Reno, who gives a very strong supporting performance. I loved watching these two actors work together. They seemed to bring out the best in each other. Stellan Skarsgard and Sean Bean were both nice additions to the cast. I thought Natascha McElhone had some very good moments, although she had a few weak ones, too. The best part of the movie is just watching DeNiro and Reno working together.

The movie starts out strong, with a fantastic first hour. I felt like the movie got a big lost in the middle and took too much time to ramp up again for the conclusion. I've never been a fan of the ice-skating scenes, and the end felt interesting, but not quite satisfying enough. I should mention the car chases. Ronin features some of the greatest car chases ever filmed. The scenes are long, exciting, and destructive (apparently 80 automobiles were destroyed during filming). If you were going to create a list of the greatest car chases in movie history, I believe you'd have to include Ronin on that list. The scenes are nothing short of incredible.

Unfortunately, the movie itself misses out on greatness. I would say that this a very good movie featuring an impressive cast. However, I wanted more. I wanted to be blown away outside of the car chases. I really enjoy this movie and would watch it again, but I just wish it left me feeling a bit more satisfied than it actually does. This a very, very good movie, however.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7.5



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