Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pag...
Seems like we're getting back on an even keel with the rating viewings now. Quite liking the new pages in a way. Thanks for all your rates.
Member since:07.11.2005
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With the Cold War an ever present feature of much of the latter part of the 20th Century, and with the on screen presence of Arnold Schwarzenegger throwing out film after after film throughout the 1980s, it was only ever a matter of time before a film came from him with a link between Russia and the USA. In Red Heat, the two different styles of policing combining in this film.
The Plot
Captain Ivan Danko is a Russian cop chasing down a notorious drug and crime lord, Viktor Rostavili, known as Rosta. Rosta escapes to Chicago, and Danko pursues him, being teamed up with Chicago cop Detective Sergeant Art Ridzik, who is also on Rosta's tail following a spate of murders linked to the crime lord's Chicago branch. Will the Cold War get in the way of one of the biggest crime lords ever being brought down, or can these two law enforcement aces with completely different styles overcome their differences and work together?
The Cast and Performances
If all Arnie ever had to do was look menacing and scary beyond belief, then he'd probably still be as successful as he is, but here he gives a good combination of acting and action. As Danko, he looks the part completely, using brute force and training to overcome any disadvantage he has at the Russian cop not being allowed a gun in the States. James Belushi works brilliantly with him as Art, and his wise-cracking almost lazy cop combines in perfect balance with Arnie's Russian model of devotion to the law. Belushi is known for his wisecracks and hard-hitting approach, and does well.
Ed O'Ross is a good villain as Rosta. Not the best, but convincing enough to warrant a thumbs up. There are good support roles for Peter Boyle, Laurence Fishburne and Richard Bright as Chicago cops, and the beauty is provided by Gina Gershon as Cat. The remainder of the cast support very well.
My Opinion
Although a very good film, this is not one of my favourites from Arnie. I am afraid that when it comes to the actor, I am quite a stereotype, going for the likes of Predator, Commando and Terminator, and I am sure I conform to the norm where this is concerned.
However, that having been said, in terms of important films being made at important times, Red Heat must not be overlooked. The Cold War was still in flow, indeed the year after it would come to an end, but there were still tensions, and these are captured beautifully in the film. Red Heat was the first US film to be allowed to film in the Red Square.
Director Walter Hill got many things right in this film, but it lacks the certain edge of other films starring Arnie. It is not that it is too complicated or that anyone tries to do too much. It just seems as if there is a certain caution involved in the making of the film, so delicate was the political tension between the States and the Soviets at the time. The film is criticised by Russian critics, citing multiple errors and stereotypes being exploited, including the uniform worn by Danko, apparently a mix of about six different uniforms. The Russian dialogue was also rumoured to be inaccurate.
I enjoyed the film from an action point of view, and it was nice to see something a little different in a film billing Schwarzenegger at the top, tackling a current and terse topic, but there was not enough confidence from any expect the two leads, who do very well throughout, even if Belushi seems a little out of control at times.
Conclusion
A decent Arnie film. Not one of my favourites, but a good watch.
Production Year: 2002 - Action/Adventure - Director: Vincenzo Natali - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over - Starring:Lucy Liu, David Hewlett, Anne Marie Scheffler, Joseph Scoren, Matthew Sharp, Jeremy Northam
Production Year: 1964 - Action/Adventure - Director: Cyril Endfield - Original Language: English - Classification: Parental Guidance - Starring:Stanley Baker, Jack Hawkins, Ulla Jacobsson, James Booth, Michael Caine, Nigel Green
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