WIth just over 3,000 ratings on IMDb, "A Dirty Carnival" probably qualifies as my #1 film most people have never heard of. This film encapsulates just about everything I love about foreign film: Action, oddball comedy, revenge, uncomfortable-love, and gangsta-stuff.
THere's something quite genuine about the lead character here. It's more of a mediocre rise to the top compared to say "Scarface", and the comedy really sets an entirely different tone compared to all other gangster films with heavy themes and/or endings.
The film is an absolute gem. The acting, the fight choreography, the laughs, and evolution of the lead character in the storyline will keep you glued to the screen.
"Twilight Samurai" is a 10 for me, but it has 15,000 votes, and a bit more notoriety. A Dirty Carnival is a total departure. WHereas Samurai is dead serious and slow burning, "Carnival" is light-hearted and fast-paced.
This is one to move to the top of your list.
91/100 FOr what it's worth - I loved the ending - couldn't have been any other way. Sleeper gem. There's just something special about this.
I usually include a list of "You'll like this if you liked___,___,___", and I say whether I liked them better or not, but if I make that list and then say I like it as much or more than say Casino, Scarface, State of Grace, or whatever - it wouldn't do justice for my "useful" ratings, or for what is a truly original, great film here. Rent it, heck, BUY it.
THere's something quite genuine about the lead character here. It's more of a mediocre rise to the top compared to say "Scarface", and the comedy really sets an entirely different tone compared to all other gangster films with heavy themes and/or endings.
The film is an absolute gem. The acting, the fight choreography, the laughs, and evolution of the lead character in the storyline will keep you glued to the screen.
"Twilight Samurai" is a 10 for me, but it has 15,000 votes, and a bit more notoriety. A Dirty Carnival is a total departure. WHereas Samurai is dead serious and slow burning, "Carnival" is light-hearted and fast-paced.
This is one to move to the top of your list.
91/100 FOr what it's worth - I loved the ending - couldn't have been any other way. Sleeper gem. There's just something special about this.
I usually include a list of "You'll like this if you liked___,___,___", and I say whether I liked them better or not, but if I make that list and then say I like it as much or more than say Casino, Scarface, State of Grace, or whatever - it wouldn't do justice for my "useful" ratings, or for what is a truly original, great film here. Rent it, heck, BUY it.