Search - Soul Assassin on DVD

Foreign indie, pleasant surprise

peterdao | Springfield, VA United States | 11/10/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This indie from the Netherlands, with various film techniques from fast editing to fast music, could be a pleasant surprise to viewers who got fed up with Hollywood's cliches when it comes to suspense and action. Of course the movie would have been even better with a bigger budget for a stronger cast, yet I find it all in all enjoyable. There's nothing quite new with the plot ("The Replacement Killers" and "The Bourne Identity" being two best in this genre lately) but it still manages to keep you guessing at least half way through. Skeet Ulrich is Kevin Burke, a rising star in an international bank in Rotterdam, working as security agent under his surrogate father and mentor, bank director Karl Jorgensen (Derek de Lint). Just when Kevin prepares to propose to a broker he's deeply in love with, the beautiful Rosalind Bremmond (Katherine Lang), her life is cut short by an assassin's bullet. As Kevin is furiously driven to seek revenge, his investigation into Rosalind's death not only reveals a dark facet of her life, it also drags him into a web of corporate espionage and assassination involving some agents from Interpol and numerous unidentified enemies. While working his way out of this dangerous maze, Kevin confronts with another mysterious beauty, Tessa Jansen (Kristy Swanson), who might well give him the ultimate answer to his deadliest question...Conclusion: 4 stars, 1 to the cast (especially Derek de Lint), and 3 to the film makers in terms of editing and cinematography (some sexy scenes from the streets of Rotterdam are really worth checking out). One side note: I was a little bit curious about "some sexuality" under the R rating box. Turned out it didn't involve Kristy Swanson, just Katherine Lang. But it was good anyway."

Fun Ride

Judy Mason | Encino, CA | 01/01/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I rented and then bought this DVD. It is different and has an attitude. Off beat locale and happenings...a bicycle chase in Amsterdam, a sniper shootout on the canal and lots of quick cuts and Hi Tech look and feel. The story is interesting as well...betrayal by a "father figure". I have read some negative reviews of this movie by uptight "filmees". Get a life!! They over analyze all of the things about the movie that are actually fun....the pacing, the styized look, the blue filter....that's what is fun. Get your nose out of obscure and boring films and enjoy life."

Very Pleasant Surprise

Tom Ellis | California, USA | 02/28/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"If you love action, Europe and fast paced stories, this one is for you. If not, then take a pass. Much like Nikita, Bourne Identity and other great Euro thrillers Soul Assassin is not as formulaic as most American action films and I really enjoyed the fresh new actors from Holland (I assume). Skeet and Kristy were good, but Kristy should have been in the movie more. A fault of an otherwise passable script. Nothing too special there, but the movie has a unique view. A very blue view. Personally I liked it. Along with the sound, which is loud and great. The story was confusing at times, then it all makes sense in the end. No spoilers here, but I was definitely surprised by the final events. I probably should give the film a 4/5 but because of the end I have to give it a 5/5."

Good 'Action' movie

Daniel Rothman | Burlingame, CA USA | 01/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The plot, while at times are to see, is there. I would say that the majority of the scenes that attempted emotional impact were fufilled as a result of pretty good acting. The DVD has some other cool stuff on it. I will admit though that the visuals, while interesting, were a bit nausiating. A lot of quick, extreme camera movement. The blue filter was very appropriate. There is a screen flashing technique that the director overused a bit.
Good action movie to see once or twice. Very fufulling ending, if you followed the plot..."