Review by PiB
Warning! - Spoilers!
If you like well made films with a good story line, a fantastic soundtrack, a superb catalogue of actors and an intriguing location - then this is one for you.
Set completely in France we follow the course of an aging gambler who when he finally hits rock bottom decides that a drastic course of action is needed.
Nick Nolte is on fine form as Bob, the character you watch as he glides his way (even if he does start having to go completely cold turkey) through the film, one step ahead of everyone else.
The double edged sword of the policeman Roger, as played by Tcheky Karyo, keeps an ever watchful eye on Bob. Roger seems like an OK kinda guy who ends up in Bob's debt from the out but Bob knows that should he put a toe out of line Roger would not hesitate to reel this fish in.
As with all heist movies (mostly now made with a young, well known good looking cast) there is a big score to be had. Not so often is there normally two big scores to gain. Lies within lies and truths told to decieve. All play a part and different ideas reach different ears. It's all part of the game which Bob appears to let luck decide the course.
Life and world weary, the gravel voice of Bob who tells you a story over a straight up milk, would convince you of just about anything. He almost certainly manages to pull a fast one over a small but wonderful performance by Ralph Fiennes, as your-not-so-friendly art dealer.
The young, stray Russian waif of a girl is also an interesting part. Seemingly uninterested in any part of her future apart from where she'll sleep that night; Anne almost manages to singlehandedly tear apart all of Bob's plans.
A drug dealer-come-informant weaves his own web, a lover spurned by false accusations, twins who have their own agenda and an interesting crew for the final heist.
Before you know it, Roger is hot on the case. Determined to bring his friend in from the other side of the tracks all he needs is some evidence. He certainly gets an explosion and witnesses some of that good ol' luck Bob has been sprouting on about for the entire movie - but is it enough?
You'll just have to wait and see!
