A visionary, modern take on the Shakespeare's novel of the same title, actor-turned-director Paul Ireland's sophomore feature is an intricated multi-character study set on a complex apartment dealing with a spiral of ethnic violence.
Hugo Weaving gives a stunning performance as a gangster longing for retirement, when one of his buyers goes on a violent rampage around the complex, shooting and killing several immigrants, as he became intolerant for non-English speakers. Known as "The Duke", Pearce's strong yet fragile, about to collapse presence, is the core of the film, as most of the interactions and arrangements made throughout the narrative are connected to his wish and power over the gentrified community: during the shooting the lives of a street musician named Claudio and a conservative Muslim girl named Jaiwara are romantically crossed, as they engage on an adventurous, forbidden coming of age relationship. The lovebirds are immediately disapproved by her family, especially her very dangerous and merciless brother who operates another criminal "fraternity" and is The Duke's most prolific rival. As The Duke steps outside town to restore his health, the business' command is given to Angelo, but his temperamental, out-of-control behavior keeps The Duke's eyes over the tumultuous situations, as he still intervenes even from a distance. The racial and religious conflicts continue to rise among them, betrayal, conspiracy and the unjust arrest of Claudio, who sees himself in jail accused of something he didn't do.
Filled with convincing performances from a brilliantly synched cast, impressively shot, and structured with an enigmatic, charismatic sense of intimacy, Ireland conceived a knockout epic-style urbane tale about masculinity, loyalty, principles, solidarity and rage, as well as a beautifully intense forbidden love story.
It's an efficient, never exhausting, multi layered and well-done modern thriller. Can't wait to see what Mr. Ireland will do next.
Hugo Weaving gives a stunning performance as a gangster longing for retirement, when one of his buyers goes on a violent rampage around the complex, shooting and killing several immigrants, as he became intolerant for non-English speakers. Known as "The Duke", Pearce's strong yet fragile, about to collapse presence, is the core of the film, as most of the interactions and arrangements made throughout the narrative are connected to his wish and power over the gentrified community: during the shooting the lives of a street musician named Claudio and a conservative Muslim girl named Jaiwara are romantically crossed, as they engage on an adventurous, forbidden coming of age relationship. The lovebirds are immediately disapproved by her family, especially her very dangerous and merciless brother who operates another criminal "fraternity" and is The Duke's most prolific rival. As The Duke steps outside town to restore his health, the business' command is given to Angelo, but his temperamental, out-of-control behavior keeps The Duke's eyes over the tumultuous situations, as he still intervenes even from a distance. The racial and religious conflicts continue to rise among them, betrayal, conspiracy and the unjust arrest of Claudio, who sees himself in jail accused of something he didn't do.
Filled with convincing performances from a brilliantly synched cast, impressively shot, and structured with an enigmatic, charismatic sense of intimacy, Ireland conceived a knockout epic-style urbane tale about masculinity, loyalty, principles, solidarity and rage, as well as a beautifully intense forbidden love story.
It's an efficient, never exhausting, multi layered and well-done modern thriller. Can't wait to see what Mr. Ireland will do next.