OMG, finally. Not enough people have watched on the reaction channel one of the best thriller of the 90's. The name Ronin is fitting as they are all agents out of job following the end of the cold war now working as mercenaries. The car chases in this are insane and truly count amount the very best ever filmed. No CGI, no tricks, just beautiful metal mayhem. The idea of the movie, which might not be completely clear at the first watch is that there was (i mean in real life) talks between the British government and the IRA to stop hostilities, which did happen few months before the movie came out named The Good Friday agreement. Some in the IRA were opposed to this and about a month before the movie came out there was the Omagh bombing that killed 30 people. Aparently, the main vilain of the film, Seamus (Johnathan Pryce) wanted the suitcase (which probably had nuclear components) to use it to derail the agreement. That's why at the end of the movie they say that his death permitted the signing of the agreement and the DeNiro character was probably still active in the CIA, pretending to be a Ronin so he could catch him since we know the US was heavily involved into brokering the Good Friday Agreement. A smart and suspenseful thriller, deserves much more recognition. Please do watch one of the best thriller of the 80's Fatal Attraction. And no, it would not fool a native speaker. The only american actor who would is Jodie Foster whose French is astounding. As for the Russians, they want the case because unsupervised nuclear material is always good to have around and sells for a really, really high price.
Fantastic. The first really great 'wrong-way' chase scene was in the French Connection, also total practical affects and stunt work, I despise CGI, to me it is merely cartoon...
Ronin's not a cinematic masterpiece but it's an underrated crime epic gem with a nice international cast with solid performances. This movie has one of the best car chases, if not the best in film history, De Niro's last solid performance from the 90s IMO. As a Robert De Niro fan, "Midnight Run" is a MUST!!!! One of the best buddy cop films, ever..right up there with 48 hours, Beverly Hills Cop and Lethal Weapon.
@@oaf-77 Hahaha, I was wondering why I come across Sonatine recommendations multiple times recently. But it's you again. I like that. Fighting the "good fight". You have my full support. 😉
Last solid performance of the 90's? Sort of a veiled insult there. And Ronin was 1998, you didn't leave him much time. Plus I thought he was hilarious in Analyze That (1999)
👍 and Black Sunday stars Robert (Jaws, Quint), Shaw and Bruce Dern. The ending is spectacular to watch even if it's not a car chase. Something better I think involving a.....(sorry, no spoiler, got to watch Shan).
One of my favorites. The story is simple, stripped of superfluous details, and the action is real, not CGI. Real, analog SFX are so much more impressive than CGI.
John Frankenheimer is one of the best director's out there. His best films: "The Train" (my personal WWII favorite with Burt Lancaster), "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962), "Seven Days In May", "52 Pickup", "Black Sunday" and "The Birdman Of Alcatraz".
Since you asked for Jean Reno films, here are a few recommendations: - The Big Blue (1988). Considered by a lot of people to be Luc Besson's masterpiece. Avoid the 120/118 minute US cut like the plague. Either watch the french theatrical version (132 minutes) or the 168 minute director's cut. Note: the film was shot in english, so that's the language you should watch it in. - Wasabi (2001). It's a fun little action/comedy film. French language. Don't expect too much out of it. Save it for a day when you want to turn your brain off. - Les Visiteurs (1993). French language. Jean Reno's most iconic role. You might miss some french pop culture references and puns here and there, but this film is a classic for anyone who's interested in french cinema.
I would add the Last Battle : Reno's first role, and Luc Besson's first movie. It's a small budget post apocalyptic film with very few dialogue. It might not work for the channel, because it's not famous, but I definitly recommend it.
One of my favourite films. That scene with Michael Lonsdale who helped Sam after he was shot, the camera going over the Samurai diorama as they talk about those with no lords, wayless and just doing things for money, it always gave me tingles.
Besides the great action scenes, what made this movie memorable to me was the impeccable chemistry between Robert De Niro and Jean Reno. You are going to love "The Score" (2001) also starring De Niro and Edward Norton.
Great reaction!!!! This is my 3rd favorite movie (personally) EVER!!! (I've lost track of how many times I've watched it) The cast in this movie is phenomenal and top notch all the way and the writing is spot on, I love the fact that you have to really use your imagination and think about the events in the movie and what they individually mean. My favorite shot in the movie is the one of Sam and Vincent on the bridge looking down through the smoke. The locations in the movie are breathtaking, especially the French countryside and the town of Nice, France (those shots are luscious to look at). The friendship between Sam and Vincent is one of the best I've ever seen in a movie (they develop trust in each other and you can tell that they have each other's backs). The car chase scenes are pure chef kisses, seamlessly done and entertaining as all get out!!!! The amount of amazing actors in this movie cannot be understated, especially Natascha McElhone and Jean Reno. The case is a "macguffin".....as to it's contents, given the locations of the movie and the fact that you have CIA, IRA, an ex KGB and Russians (whom I always assumed were Russian Mafia) after the case, I've always thought that the case contains Soviet nuclear codes or sensitive security information.... again it's a macguffin do use your imagination. My favorite dissolve/transition in the movie is Gregor painting the fake case. Again, a great reaction, I really enjoyed it and was so stoked when I got the notification that you had reacted to this movie. Many blessings to you and yours.
This movie is just a great spy thriller action. With just amazing stunt driving but also a really solid thriller and a outstanding cast . Can wait to see your reaction
It doesn't matter for a McGuffin wether you know what it is or not (in this case what's inside the briefcase). In both cases, it only serves to move the story forward. It wouldn't make any difference for the story to know what's in the briefcase.
This is a deep cut of a movie, one that pays dividends on repeat viewings. You can't pickup everything on the 1st watch and that's by design. It's smartly-written and superbly acted with lots of subtleties. And... then there's THAT car chase. One of the best ever put on film. Others have said it better, but there's simply nothing better than pure practical effects; no optical trickery, no CG. Because you KNOW the cars are really bouncing off of things and catching fire, the movie delivers a gritty level of realism.
De Niro's French is alright when it's a few words, but it wouldn't fool a native speaker in a full conversation. This movie isn't as good as Heat, but it has some of the best car chases ever recorded. And it's all real : no special effects or camera tricks to make it seem faster (like in Fast and Furious), just talented drivers doing crazy shit. And it's all thanks to Remy Julienne, the best French stunt coordinator that ever lived. He unfortunately passed away last year. RIP.
This is one those movies I first saw as a pirated copy on a CD disc, my brother had. I was in High School so in my late teens. I really was blown away with the atmosphere, music, plot, top tier casting (this movie is literally packed full of A-list stars. from DeNiro to Jean Reno, from Sean Bean to Stellan Skarsgård!) and the action. Without any explanations this movie just takes you directly into the action and lets you figure out on your own who these people are, who they work for, which one of them are decent, which ones are scumbags etc. Absolutely a 5* movie for me!
👍, Seven Days Of May, Burt Lancaster (Field Of Dreams again), and Kirk Douglas (Michael Douglas's dad). Lancaster and Kirk did some great movies together including their last, Tough Guys (1986), before Kirk Douglas had his massive stroke that messed with him speaking, but continued doing movies after. He was certainly the real tough guy in real life.
Good movies with Jean Reno ? Oh... each of early Luc Besson's films. Nikita (the movie before Leon with the same character) ; The big blue (if it is the actual american title) ; Le dernier combat. And... Subway.
David Mamet actually re-wrote the script and that is why it is so good. If you watch the DVD there is an alternate ending in which we find out what happens to Deidre as the 2 main characters wait at the cafe for her, Great cast and fun time.
Aside from that bad luck encounter in the tunnel, the cops didn't "show up" immediately. Just like gunshots carry, so do sirens. A cop heard the gunshots and began responding in seconds... but still took a good while to arrive on-scene at the gun trade ambush. Plenty of time for the protagonists to already be on the road and escaping the responding dragnet. In the second case, remember the police were already on alert the moment Sam unleashed a grenade launcher in public. It was some minutes later, minutes filled with vehicular mayhem, by the time the anti-terrorist police unit had been mobilized and directed into the direction of the chaos.
The Crimson Rivers is a fantastic Jean Reno film, where he stars. He also makes an appearance in Luc Besson's Nikita, essentially playing the same character as Leon.
Kudos to Sean Bean for taking a non-flattering role. He's the Ronin in real life. Consider reacting to the 2001 action thriller "Don't Say a Word" starring Sean, (fellow Goldeneye baddie) Famke Janssen, Michael Douglas, and the late Brittany Murphy.
As a teenager, this movie was doubled with Star Trek first contact. My friends and I saw these movies for 7 days straight. Hearing and feeling the car chases in the theater was really something, especially when you don’t have your driver’s license yet!
The best "Guess" I've heard for "What's in the Case?" is that it's plates for printing currency. American, Chinese, maybe German Marks. Makes sense that either Russians or IRA would want that, it would fit in a case and be worth several millions dollars.
One of my absolute favorite car chase movies, right behind "Bullitt". Katarina Witt, the gold medal champion ,was the ice skater. Cast did a great job, even though we were in the dark in parts. Thing is, this story is about spooks who have unknown pasts & this translated to us being in the dark. Not ahuge fan of Deniro but really like Jéan Reno & his screen presence. It would have been nice to have more backstory, but its still a great movie.
Thanks again Shan for your precise and intelligent review of this spectacular but complex film. About Movies with Jean Reno, I strongly advise you to watch THe big blue (european version) and Nikita, both from Luc Besson as director. I could you advise you tosee the US remake of Nikita ( Point of no return by John Badham) and share your impressions with us about the differences between the two versions. Best regards ! Christophe from France
Frankenheimer made this movie with so many Hitchcockian references. The case being the obvious MacGuffin. However the characters were also the MacGuffin too. They have very vague or little backstories or none at all, which gives more intrigue to the movie. Frankenheimer's method of multi angle cameras is also used in his films. Sam firing the bazzuka at the car is one obvious example of this
The dialog is brilliant. It has Mamet's fingerprints all over it. When Sam retrieves the pistol he planted outside the back door and tucks it away, saying "I never walk into a place I don't know how to walk out of", Dierdre replies "Why would you get into that van?" and Sam says "You know the reason". We all know the reason, because he just told us. If you like the dialog and the style, watch "Heist" with Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito.
Frankenheimer's "Grand Prix" (1966) is a must-watch as it depicts Formula 1 in the mid-60s where death was a permanent companion. The racing sequences are still second to none, up there with Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" (1971).
JOHN FRANKENHEIMER made so many great thrillers, dramas and actionfilms in the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s! Movies like "THE BIRDMAN OF AKCATRAZ", "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE", "SEVEN DAYS IN MAY", "FRENCH CONNECTION II", "BLACK SUNDAY", DEAD BANG" and, of course, "RONIN" are all "Must See"-movies
The French doctor that treats De Niro's character played a pivotal character in a great film from the 70's called "The Day of the Jackal" about the hunt for a hitman who's targeting the French President Charles De Gaulle. I highly recommend, it's one of my fave movies
Frankenheimer has a couple of MUST SEE films - the original Manchurian Candidate, and an underrated Burt Lancaster film called The Train (both black and white). But if you liked Ronin, you'll also get a kick out of Reindeer Games, with Charlize Theron and Ben Affleck, as well as his final film (technically a miniseries, but I think of it as a 3 hour film), Path to War, starring Michael Gambon, Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, Gary Sinise, Tom Skerritt, and many others. Its about Lyndon Johnson's decision to escalate the Viet Nam war, and makes a nice companion piece/ sequel to Roger Donaldson's Thirteen Days (about JFK's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis), and Oliver Stone's JFK (about Kennedy's assassination). Think of it as the third chapter in that "trilogy", and your gears will be turning for weeks. Thanks for another great reaction/ review!
One thing about the car chase. When they're on dirt, there are no tires squealing. I think every other car chase I've scene, if a car is on soft ground, they still insert tires squealing. Except for Bullitt (the archetype for all chase scenes).
You should watch some of Frankenheimer's older films like The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days in May, or The Train. I think you would really enjoy them.
Regarding your criticism, you can't apply present-day police response to crime to a film that was made pre-9/11. And the writer Richard Weisz was a pseudonym for writer David Mamet.
Well you ask an other Jean Reno film, The big blue(1988), le dernier combat (1983), Nikita(1990) (the original though small but outstanding role), les visiteurs(1993) (the original french), L'opération corned-beef(1991 spy spoof movie). But he's outstanding in the big blue.
The responding units are actually Counter Terrorism teams and in Europe during the Cold War and just after. You had a lot of Ex-Spies Spec Ops Operators running around the continent most EX Soviet Eastern Bloc countries like East German Sassi. That's what Stellen's character was in the movie. DeNiro is CIA and Jean is French intelligence and yes Derdra is IRA.
Glad you enjoyed the car crashes and explosions. How do you feel about train crashes? John Frankenheimer did a great movie in the '60s starring Burt Lancaster as a leader of the French resistance called _The Train_ As the French railway network was being modernised post WW2 the film company had plenty of unwanted steam locomotives that they were free to destroy.
Good movie, with amazing stunts and some of the best practical car chases ever put on film. Another 90's hidden gem, I would love to see you react to is Grosse Pointe Blank, starring, John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd and Alan Arkin, along with numerous other recognizable faces. It's a wonderful black comedy, with a great cast, hilarious writing and an absolutely epic soundtrack.
This is a very lean almost 70s style car chase crime film that reminds me of Bullit, french connection and the getaway. Just a very watchable movie. speaking of, have you seen 'Get Carter' (1971)?
I like this film for its own merits, but Frankenheimer directed my fourth favourite film, Seconds, and Jonathan Pryce and Robert de Niro acted together in my very favourite movie, Brazil (good reaction, by the way!). Sort of Less Than Six Degrees of Separation/Halo Effect thing going on with me. But even without the cool connections, I watch this one fairly often. Three Bond villains in Ronin, so that’s pretty cool.
If you read about the production, David Mamet did not want/share a writing credit. He does not wait to explain. You just have to enter the world and catch up. Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan are two others by Mamet.
I do enjoy the film. I hold the car chases up there with the gun battle in Heat. I feel it's worth a rewatch, because there's a lot of subtle hints to the character of different people, which one might miss first time watching. Basically, everyone lies. I wouldn't put it past Vincent being French intelligence or something as well. An interesting bit of trivia I learned recently was that the "man in the wheelchair" is a reference to The Bourne Identity, where he is a mercenary broker.
The car chases in this movie are on a very large number of "Best Car Chases" lists... But you've already picked up on the fact that it's very realistic. One of my main problems is that I own quite a number of those cases. They are cases for DJ's carrying about 50 12inch vinyl records. Enough for a couple of hours mixing. Ice skates are not ever carried in that box.
Frankenheimer's classic work is "The Manchurian Candidate" (the original, not the remake). If you want to see Jean Reno in a comedic role, I suggest "Just Visiting." I actually prefer it to the French original "Les Visiteurs." Sean Bean's character *does* die, but the scene got cut.
Not many car people on here: one of Frankenheimer's best films was "Grand Prix". Jean Reno: while he's very good as a action star, there was this hilarious romantic comedy he did a while back, called "Jet Lag". Definitely worth watching.
Ah yes, the 1966 formula 1 movie "Grand Prix. Co presented by MGM and Cinerama. Originally filmed to be shown on the deeply curved Cinerama screen in Super Panavision 70. Probably the best motor car racing film of all time. They had a special camera support that could swing out from the driver's seat to just behind the front wheel. Beautiful Cinematography.
John Frankenheimer directed one of the best movies ever made in black & white 1964 with Frank Sinatra, the original Manchurian Candidate. You must see this!
Luc Besson/Jean Reno. I first saw the combo in Le Grand Bleu(1988). Both done Good work. LB done Best car work Ever(Taxi 1-x, Lucy). All his films should be seen. JR is just a treasure. U saw him in Godzilla, but So many Good films, listed below.
A number of Actors who played Bond Villains are in this one: Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce and Michael Lonsdale were the main badguys in _Goldeneye, Tomorrow never dies_ and _Moonraker,_ respectively.
Also sorry to not shut up but there was a Hollywood film called ASSASSIN with Bridget fonda .That film was a remake of a film called LE FEMME NIKITA wich was a luc besson film and Jean reno appears as an assassin and that little performance inspired luc to write and make LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL
14:38 "But I do have one criticism: We don't really know what's in the briefcase" Oh dear.... And then at 21:45 "I really didn't have any issues with the McGuffin". Yes, of course not :P
This movie and heat have some of the most awesome action bits from the late 90s, they just sound and look so damn good. even my pops liked this movie a good bit because of the incredible car chase scene. oh also a reno movie i always liked is The Crimson Rivers : )
There is a really fun French/Japanese film starring Jean Reno called Wasabi. He is a hard-nosed french cop who has to protect a wild child Japanese girl from the Yakuza, and that is all going to say about it.
OMG, finally.
Not enough people have watched on the reaction channel one of the best thriller of the 90's.
The name Ronin is fitting as they are all agents out of job following the end of the cold war now working as mercenaries.
The car chases in this are insane and truly count amount the very best ever filmed. No CGI, no tricks, just beautiful metal mayhem.
The idea of the movie, which might not be completely clear at the first watch is that there was (i mean in real life) talks between the British government and the IRA to stop hostilities, which did happen few months before the movie came out named The Good Friday agreement.
Some in the IRA were opposed to this and about a month before the movie came out there was the Omagh bombing that killed 30 people.
Aparently, the main vilain of the film, Seamus (Johnathan Pryce) wanted the suitcase (which probably had nuclear components) to use it to derail the agreement.
That's why at the end of the movie they say that his death permitted the signing of the agreement and the DeNiro character was probably still active in the CIA, pretending to be a Ronin so he could catch him since we know the US was heavily involved into brokering the Good Friday Agreement.
A smart and suspenseful thriller, deserves much more recognition.
Please do watch one of the best thriller of the 80's Fatal Attraction.
And no, it would not fool a native speaker.
The only american actor who would is Jodie Foster whose French is astounding.
As for the Russians, they want the case because unsupervised nuclear material is always good to have around and sells for a really, really high price.
The only film to have three main Bond villain in it.
4:15 - Alex (GoldenEye)
7:20 - Elliot Craver (Tomorrow Never Dies)
14:59 - Drax (Moonraker)
Carver
Ooh looking forward to seeing Shan's reaction to THAT car chase! The Fast and Furious movies can suck it!
The F&F movies are a joke.
Fantastic. The first really great 'wrong-way' chase scene was in the French Connection, also total practical affects and stunt work, I despise CGI, to me it is merely cartoon...
John Frankenheimer also directed Grand Prix in 1966
Yes, the car chase scenes in this are EPIC!
I'd say it was the second best car chase I've ever seen. Second only to Bullitt with Steve McQueen.
Ronin's not a cinematic masterpiece but it's an underrated crime epic gem with a nice international cast with solid performances. This movie has one of the best car chases, if not the best in film history, De Niro's last solid performance from the 90s IMO.
As a Robert De Niro fan, "Midnight Run" is a MUST!!!! One of the best buddy cop films, ever..right up there with 48 hours, Beverly Hills Cop and Lethal Weapon.
When someone says crime movies I'm compelled to mention The Killing and Sonatine
@@oaf-77 Hahaha, I was wondering why I come across Sonatine recommendations multiple times recently. But it's you again. I like that. Fighting the "good fight". You have my full support. 😉
@@oaf-77 "Once Upon a time in America" and "Chinatown" IMO, best crime films, EVER!!
@@Tusc9969 yeah but he's done Chinatown already, but he hasn't done one of the greatest gangster films ever made 'Bugsy Malone'!
Last solid performance of the 90's? Sort of a veiled insult there. And Ronin was 1998, you didn't leave him much time. Plus I thought he was hilarious in Analyze That (1999)
The ice skating girl was played by Katarina Witt who won multiple World- and Europe Championships and two times gold in the Olympics for the GDR.
That scene was cold...NPI
I would suggest "The Train" directed by Frankenheimer. The practical effects are insane and Burt Lancaster is amazing as usual.
Frankenheimer also directed "The Manchurian Candidate," "Black Sunday," and "Grand Prix," to name a few.
The classic original "Manchurian Candidate" from 1962 that is
@@foljs5858 Yes. 👍
👍 and Black Sunday stars Robert (Jaws, Quint), Shaw and Bruce Dern. The ending is spectacular to watch even if it's not a car chase. Something better I think involving a.....(sorry, no spoiler, got to watch Shan).
One of my favorites. The story is simple, stripped of superfluous details, and the action is real, not CGI. Real, analog SFX are so much more impressive than CGI.
John Frankenheimer is one of the best director's out there. His best films: "The Train" (my personal WWII favorite with Burt Lancaster), "The Manchurian Candidate" (1962), "Seven Days In May", "52 Pickup", "Black Sunday" and "The Birdman Of Alcatraz".
Since you asked for Jean Reno films, here are a few recommendations:
- The Big Blue (1988). Considered by a lot of people to be Luc Besson's masterpiece.
Avoid the 120/118 minute US cut like the plague.
Either watch the french theatrical version (132 minutes) or the 168 minute director's cut.
Note: the film was shot in english, so that's the language you should watch it in.
- Wasabi (2001). It's a fun little action/comedy film. French language.
Don't expect too much out of it. Save it for a day when you want to turn your brain off.
- Les Visiteurs (1993). French language. Jean Reno's most iconic role.
You might miss some french pop culture references and puns here and there, but this film is a classic for anyone who's interested in french cinema.
I would add the Last Battle : Reno's first role, and Luc Besson's first movie. It's a small budget post apocalyptic film with very few dialogue. It might not work for the channel, because it's not famous, but I definitly recommend it.
The Big Blue should be at the top of your list. For Reno in a great minor role, react to La Femme Nikita, imo Besson's masterpiece.
When that need has gone, when belief has died, what are you? A man without a master.
One of my favourite films. That scene with Michael Lonsdale who helped Sam after he was shot, the camera going over the Samurai diorama as they talk about those with no lords, wayless and just doing things for money, it always gave me tingles.
A movie with Jean Reno that I love is "The Big Blue " (Le Grand Bleu) from 1988.
...great movie by Luc Besson...
This is absolutely one of my favorite films, up there with Heat. Just a fantastic film all around.
Besides the great action scenes, what made this movie memorable to me was the impeccable chemistry between Robert De Niro and Jean Reno.
You are going to love "The Score" (2001) also starring De Niro and Edward Norton.
I love the "lesson #1" and " lesson #2"....also love Micheal Lonsdale (with the miniatures) who was awesome in Day of the Jackel.
Great reaction!!!!
This is my 3rd favorite movie (personally) EVER!!! (I've lost track of how many times I've watched it)
The cast in this movie is phenomenal and top notch all the way and the writing is spot on, I love the fact that you have to really use your imagination and think about the events in the movie and what they individually mean.
My favorite shot in the movie is the one of Sam and Vincent on the bridge looking down through the smoke.
The locations in the movie are breathtaking, especially the French countryside and the town of Nice, France (those shots are luscious to look at).
The friendship between Sam and Vincent is one of the best I've ever seen in a movie (they develop trust in each other and you can tell that they have each other's backs).
The car chase scenes are pure chef kisses, seamlessly done and entertaining as all get out!!!!
The amount of amazing actors in this movie cannot be understated, especially Natascha McElhone and Jean Reno.
The case is a "macguffin".....as to it's contents, given the locations of the movie and the fact that you have CIA, IRA, an ex KGB and Russians (whom I always assumed were Russian Mafia) after the case, I've always thought that the case contains Soviet nuclear codes or sensitive security information.... again it's a macguffin do use your imagination.
My favorite dissolve/transition in the movie is Gregor painting the fake case.
Again, a great reaction, I really enjoyed it and was so stoked when I got the notification that you had reacted to this movie.
Many blessings to you and yours.
This is a great movie, but I’m still waiting for Midnight Run which is one of my favorite DeNiro films ever.
This movie is just a great spy thriller action. With just amazing stunt driving but also a really solid thriller and a outstanding cast . Can wait to see your reaction
It doesn't matter for a McGuffin wether you know what it is or not (in this case what's inside the briefcase). In both cases, it only serves to move the story forward. It wouldn't make any difference for the story to know what's in the briefcase.
This is a deep cut of a movie, one that pays dividends on repeat viewings. You can't pickup everything on the 1st watch and that's by design. It's smartly-written and superbly acted with lots of subtleties. And... then there's THAT car chase. One of the best ever put on film. Others have said it better, but there's simply nothing better than pure practical effects; no optical trickery, no CG. Because you KNOW the cars are really bouncing off of things and catching fire, the movie delivers a gritty level of realism.
De Niro's French is alright when it's a few words, but it wouldn't fool a native speaker in a full conversation.
This movie isn't as good as Heat, but it has some of the best car chases ever recorded. And it's all real : no special effects or camera tricks to make it seem faster (like in Fast and Furious), just talented drivers doing crazy shit. And it's all thanks to Remy Julienne, the best French stunt coordinator that ever lived. He unfortunately passed away last year. RIP.
This is one those movies I first saw as a pirated copy on a CD disc, my brother had. I was in High School so in my late teens. I really was blown away with the atmosphere, music, plot, top tier casting (this movie is literally packed full of A-list stars. from DeNiro to Jean Reno, from Sean Bean to Stellan Skarsgård!) and the action. Without any explanations this movie just takes you directly into the action and lets you figure out on your own who these people are, who they work for, which one of them are decent, which ones are scumbags etc. Absolutely a 5* movie for me!
If you like John Frankenheimer, recommend Seven Days in May, Seconds, and especially The Manchurian Candidate.
👍, Seven Days Of May, Burt Lancaster (Field Of Dreams again), and Kirk Douglas (Michael Douglas's dad). Lancaster and Kirk did some great movies together including their last, Tough Guys (1986), before Kirk Douglas had his massive stroke that messed with him speaking, but continued doing movies after. He was certainly the real tough guy in real life.
I loved Jean Reno in "Le grand bleu" - "The Big Blue"...
The two "Les Rivières pourpres" - "The Crimson Rivers" movies are good too.
Crimson Rivers 1 & 2 with Jean Reno are excellent.
yeah, my favorites with Jean Reno! :D
You should review his “Manchurian Candidate” (1962). First martial arts fight in an American movie between Frank Sinatra and Henry Silva!
Good movies with Jean Reno ? Oh... each of early Luc Besson's films. Nikita (the movie before Leon with the same character) ; The big blue (if it is the actual american title) ; Le dernier combat. And... Subway.
Great movie. The car chases in this film are very good. Looking forward to your take on this.
For Jean Reno, he was excellent in “Wasabi”, and turned in an amusing performance in “Godzilla”
One if my favorite Jean Reno films is Wasabi. Lots of laughs to be had with ridiculous characters all around! The "shopping" scene is always great.
Not the Dance Dance Revolution scene?
@@hanng1242 Also an exceptional scene! That whole movie is worth the watch.
David Mamet actually re-wrote the script and that is why it is so good. If you watch the DVD there is an alternate ending in which we find out what happens to Deidre as the 2 main characters wait at the cafe for her, Great cast and fun time.
Aside from that bad luck encounter in the tunnel, the cops didn't "show up" immediately. Just like gunshots carry, so do sirens. A cop heard the gunshots and began responding in seconds... but still took a good while to arrive on-scene at the gun trade ambush. Plenty of time for the protagonists to already be on the road and escaping the responding dragnet. In the second case, remember the police were already on alert the moment Sam unleashed a grenade launcher in public. It was some minutes later, minutes filled with vehicular mayhem, by the time the anti-terrorist police unit had been mobilized and directed into the direction of the chaos.
The Crimson Rivers is a fantastic Jean Reno film, where he stars. He also makes an appearance in Luc Besson's Nikita, essentially playing the same character as Leon.
Kudos to Sean Bean for taking a non-flattering role. He's the Ronin in real life. Consider reacting to the 2001 action thriller "Don't Say a Word" starring Sean, (fellow Goldeneye baddie) Famke Janssen, Michael Douglas, and the late Brittany Murphy.
As a teenager, this movie was doubled with Star Trek first contact. My friends and I saw these movies for 7 days straight. Hearing and feeling the car chases in the theater was really something, especially when you don’t have your driver’s license yet!
The best "Guess" I've heard for "What's in the Case?" is that it's plates for printing currency. American, Chinese, maybe German Marks. Makes sense that either Russians or IRA would want that, it would fit in a case and be worth several millions dollars.
One of my absolute favorite car chase movies, right behind "Bullitt". Katarina Witt, the gold medal champion ,was the ice skater. Cast did a great job, even though we were in the dark in parts. Thing is, this story is about spooks who have unknown pasts & this translated to us being in the dark. Not ahuge fan of Deniro but really like Jéan Reno & his screen presence. It would have been nice to have more backstory, but its still a great movie.
Thanks again Shan for your precise and intelligent review of this spectacular but complex film. About Movies with Jean Reno, I strongly advise you to watch THe big blue (european version) and Nikita, both from Luc Besson as director. I could you advise you tosee the US remake of Nikita ( Point of no return by John Badham) and share your impressions with us about the differences between the two versions. Best regards ! Christophe from France
One of my favorite Robert De Niro films is Midnight Run. Also, maybe not a cinematic masterpiece but absolutely a fun time with a movie.
Frankenheimer made this movie with so many Hitchcockian references. The case being the obvious MacGuffin. However the characters were also the MacGuffin too. They have very vague or little backstories or none at all, which gives more intrigue to the movie. Frankenheimer's method of multi angle cameras is also used in his films. Sam firing the bazzuka at the car is one obvious example of this
I've been watching your channel for over a year and have been dying for you to see this movie. I knew you'd like this movie. How could you not?
"The Crimson Rivers" is another good one where he stars in.
The dialog is brilliant. It has Mamet's fingerprints all over it.
When Sam retrieves the pistol he planted outside the back door and tucks it away, saying "I never walk into a place I don't know how to walk out of", Dierdre replies "Why would you get into that van?" and Sam says "You know the reason".
We all know the reason, because he just told us.
If you like the dialog and the style, watch "Heist" with Gene Hackman and Danny DeVito.
Frankenheimer's "Grand Prix" (1966) is a must-watch as it depicts Formula 1 in the mid-60s where death was a permanent companion. The racing sequences are still second to none, up there with Steve McQueen's "Le Mans" (1971).
JOHN FRANKENHEIMER made so many great thrillers, dramas and actionfilms in the 60s, 70s, 80s & 90s! Movies like "THE BIRDMAN OF AKCATRAZ", "THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE", "SEVEN DAYS IN MAY", "FRENCH CONNECTION II", "BLACK SUNDAY", DEAD BANG" and, of course, "RONIN" are all "Must See"-movies
This is one of my favorite movies.
Jean Reno was in Wasabi which is a fun movie. 22 Bullets as well
My suggestion for a great movie with Jean Reno in a lead role? Luc Besson's The Big Blue (Le Grand Bleu), 1988.
Great movie. You should also check out one of Frankenheimer's earlier classics- The Train, with Burt Lancaster. It is epic.
The French doctor that treats De Niro's character played a pivotal character in a great film from the 70's called "The Day of the Jackal" about the hunt for a hitman who's targeting the French President Charles De Gaulle. I highly recommend, it's one of my fave movies
Frankenheimer has a couple of MUST SEE films - the original Manchurian Candidate, and an underrated Burt Lancaster film called The Train (both black and white). But if you liked Ronin, you'll also get a kick out of Reindeer Games, with Charlize Theron and Ben Affleck, as well as his final film (technically a miniseries, but I think of it as a 3 hour film), Path to War, starring Michael Gambon, Alec Baldwin, Donald Sutherland, Gary Sinise, Tom Skerritt, and many others. Its about Lyndon Johnson's decision to escalate the Viet Nam war, and makes a nice companion piece/ sequel to Roger Donaldson's Thirteen Days (about JFK's handling of the Cuban Missile Crisis), and Oliver Stone's JFK (about Kennedy's assassination). Think of it as the third chapter in that "trilogy", and your gears will be turning for weeks. Thanks for another great reaction/ review!
the ice skater in the movie is Katarina Witt, two times olympic medal winner
One thing about the car chase. When they're on dirt, there are no tires squealing. I think every other car chase I've scene, if a car is on soft ground, they still insert tires squealing. Except for Bullitt (the archetype for all chase scenes).
If you are looking for another Jean Reno movie, try "La Femme Nikita". A great movie with Reno in a minor role.
His role in that movie is actually very similar to "Leon". But the movie is great and features another former Bond villain 😉
You should watch some of Frankenheimer's older films like The Manchurian Candidate, Seven Days in May, or The Train. I think you would really enjoy them.
Katarina Witt, who plays the ice skater, was a two-time Olympic champion skater.
Regarding your criticism, you can't apply present-day police response to crime to a film that was made pre-9/11. And the writer Richard Weisz was a pseudonym for writer David Mamet.
See Les rivières pourpres (The Crimson Rivers) from 2000.
With Jean Reno and Vincent Cassel. A very good movie.
On movie I suggest Shan is "Confidence (2003)" Its got this plot that you really need to watch the whole movie to really process and appreciate.
I saw this in theaters in 1998. Thrilling plot and action, strong acting and to this day I maintain this film has the best car chases of any film.
Yes! Ronin! Let the evening begin!
Edit: probably the best use of a McGuffin
Well you ask an other Jean Reno film, The big blue(1988), le dernier combat (1983), Nikita(1990) (the original though small but outstanding role), les visiteurs(1993) (the original french), L'opération corned-beef(1991 spy spoof movie). But he's outstanding in the big blue.
Jean Reno was also in Godzilla and Mission Impossible, and Michael Lonsdale was also in Moonraker ;)
The cinematography and shot composition in this film is nuts.
My favorite Jean Reno film is the French movie, "Les Visiteurs", from 1993. It's something of a French version of "Back to the Future".
2:58 A French movie "The Visitors" (1993) :)
you should check out The Big Blue with Jean Reno
The responding units are actually Counter Terrorism teams and in Europe during the Cold War and just after. You had a lot of Ex-Spies Spec Ops Operators running around the continent most EX Soviet Eastern Bloc countries like East German Sassi. That's what Stellen's character was in the movie. DeNiro is CIA and Jean is French intelligence and yes Derdra is IRA.
Glad you enjoyed the car crashes and explosions. How do you feel about train crashes? John Frankenheimer did a great movie in the '60s starring Burt Lancaster as a leader of the French resistance called _The Train_ As the French railway network was being modernised post WW2 the film company had plenty of unwanted steam locomotives that they were free to destroy.
20:38 - Richard Weisz who was credited as co-writer the script is a alias to great writer/director David Mamet
Good lord, I first read that as Rachel Weisz lol. But hey, don't forget David Zeik was included in that alias for this film.
Yeah, 17:09 Gregor was the only one in that car who put on his seatbelt, and was the only one to be able to crawl away from the wreck.
Good movie, with amazing stunts and some of the best practical car chases ever put on film. Another 90's hidden gem, I would love to see you react to is Grosse Pointe Blank, starring, John Cusack, Minnie Driver, Dan Aykroyd and Alan Arkin, along with numerous other recognizable faces. It's a wonderful black comedy, with a great cast, hilarious writing and an absolutely epic soundtrack.
This is a very lean almost 70s style car chase crime film that reminds me of Bullit, french connection and the getaway.
Just a very watchable movie.
speaking of, have you seen 'Get Carter' (1971)?
could never and still can't get why this movie has such a good hook i have the dvd and still watch it over and over .
I like this film for its own merits, but Frankenheimer directed my fourth favourite film, Seconds, and Jonathan Pryce and Robert de Niro acted together in my very favourite movie, Brazil (good reaction, by the way!). Sort of Less Than Six Degrees of Separation/Halo Effect thing going on with me. But even without the cool connections, I watch this one fairly often.
Three Bond villains in Ronin, so that’s pretty cool.
one of the best car chase movies-as well JEAN RENO was a great lead in THE CLEANER but a personal fav is him in LUC BESSONs THE BIG BLUE
If you read about the production, David Mamet did not want/share a writing credit. He does not wait to explain. You just have to enter the world and catch up. Glengarry Glen Ross, Spartan are two others by Mamet.
"Wasabi" and "23bullets" i would suggest
Wasabi is a fun movie, I've seen it at least 20 times
I do enjoy the film. I hold the car chases up there with the gun battle in Heat. I feel it's worth a rewatch, because there's a lot of subtle hints to the character of different people, which one might miss first time watching. Basically, everyone lies. I wouldn't put it past Vincent being French intelligence or something as well. An interesting bit of trivia I learned recently was that the "man in the wheelchair" is a reference to The Bourne Identity, where he is a mercenary broker.
8:37 - this famous ancient artefact comes around in many movies
When DeNiro said he knew the guy from high school, I don't thing he really meant high school
The car chases in this movie are on a very large number of "Best Car Chases" lists... But you've already picked up on the fact that it's very realistic.
One of my main problems is that I own quite a number of those cases. They are cases for DJ's carrying about 50 12inch vinyl records. Enough for a couple of hours mixing.
Ice skates are not ever carried in that box.
The Big Blue is another great performance from Jean Reno, its also one where both the directors cut and the theatrical release are worth watching
3:07 - The Big Blue, another great movie from Luc Besson
Frankenheimer's classic work is "The Manchurian Candidate" (the original, not the remake).
If you want to see Jean Reno in a comedic role, I suggest "Just Visiting." I actually prefer it to the French original "Les Visiteurs."
Sean Bean's character *does* die, but the scene got cut.
Not many car people on here: one of Frankenheimer's best films was "Grand Prix".
Jean Reno: while he's very good as a action star, there was this hilarious romantic comedy he did a while back, called "Jet Lag". Definitely worth watching.
Ah yes, the 1966 formula 1 movie "Grand Prix. Co presented by MGM and Cinerama. Originally filmed to be shown on the deeply curved Cinerama screen in Super Panavision 70. Probably the best motor car racing film of all time. They had a special camera support that could swing out from the driver's seat to just behind the front wheel. Beautiful Cinematography.
John Frankenheimer directed one of the best movies ever made
in black & white 1964 with Frank Sinatra,
the original Manchurian Candidate.
You must see this!
One of my favorite Jean Reno movies is "Just Visiting" it's a comedy.
Luc Besson/Jean Reno. I first saw the combo in Le Grand Bleu(1988). Both done Good work. LB done Best car work Ever(Taxi 1-x, Lucy). All his films should be seen. JR is just a treasure. U saw him in Godzilla, but So many Good films, listed below.
A number of Actors who played Bond Villains are in this one: Sean Bean, Jonathan Pryce and Michael Lonsdale were the main badguys in _Goldeneye, Tomorrow never dies_ and _Moonraker,_ respectively.
one of the reasons the car chases look so good was they put the actors in the cars during the chase sequences
Also sorry to not shut up but there was a Hollywood film called ASSASSIN with Bridget fonda .That film was a remake of a film called LE FEMME NIKITA wich was a luc besson film and Jean reno appears as an assassin and that little performance inspired luc to write and make LEON: THE PROFESSIONAL
Top 5 all time car chase sequences with legendary cars…driven by F1 drivers!!
Deniro says "Get the hell out!" and Sean Bean survives
this is what it takes to save the guy
14:38 "But I do have one criticism: We don't really know what's in the briefcase" Oh dear.... And then at 21:45 "I really didn't have any issues with the McGuffin". Yes, of course not :P
This movie and heat have some of the most awesome action bits from the late 90s, they just sound and look so damn good. even my pops liked this movie a good bit because of the incredible car chase scene. oh also a reno movie i always liked is The Crimson Rivers : )
An excellent spy thriller that has the added bonus of having 3 actors who played James bond villains!
There is a really fun French/Japanese film starring Jean Reno called Wasabi.
He is a hard-nosed french cop who has to protect a wild child Japanese girl from the Yakuza, and that is all going to say about it.
The Boathouse at Hereford refers to the SAS training grounds. If he knew that he would be a real SAS guy.
For good Jean Reno roles also look at French Kiss and Da Vinci Code. But as a lead he tends to get more B roles. 22 bullets is a decent one.