Synopsis:
The first of a trilogy involving a
fantasy world where, after an ancient truce, forces of dark and light keep each
other in check. Filmed by Russian director Timur Bekmambetov, director of Wanted, an amazingly artistic style is added to the foreign film genre.
Set in present-day Moscow, the trilogy focuses on the prophecy of a chosen one
who will choose a side and forever alter the balance, setting a chain reaction
for a battle between good and evil that could destroy mankind.
The
Freak's Rating: C : After seeing Wanted,
I was instantly a Bekmambetov fan. With an enthusiastic style of direction
showcased, I was dying to see anything close to its energy and curious to see
the evolution of his craft. His style is showcased clearly in Night Watch.
Night Watch is not strictly a vampire
tale, more so a revelation of a world beneath ours that coexists with our known
normalcy (ala The Matrix). There is enough substance to merit a viewing of
this to a fan of the genre and foreign filmmaking, if nothing less to garner
their admiration for what the genre can produce.
Acting is decent in the film, but set
design, cinematography and camera tricks are the bread and butter of the film.
They are done well, but the storyline needs more thorough explanation to truly
fire on all cylinders. There are gaps and unexplained moments that had me
rewinding a couple times to clarify what I'd just seen. This is
unacceptable as a film, since most audience members won't slow down, only push
through all the while confused as hell.
A lukewarm film, but hints at amazing
potential for this style are everywhere in the story and I honestly am excited
to see the next one. If done well, the latter parts of the story may lend
more affection for the original than I'm noting.
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