Ronin

                
Director: John Frankenheimer
Year: 1998
Rating: 8.0
Nice to visit this after some 20 years. It was like seeing a friend after a long time and recalling that you had liked him but not sure why you had. It takes about two seconds into the film to remember why. At 120 minutes there is not an ounce of fat on this film. It is like a well-toned welterweight boxer. Sleek, tense, quick on its feet and brilliantly executed. Having De Niro and Jean Reno team up is like Maris and Mantle in the batting order. No one carries charisma as quietly and soberly as they do. I would hazard that this was De Niro's last great role. After this came the Fockers, The Grandpa films and the Analyze This films - so few worthy of his talent. Here cool just drips off him like an ice shower. Reno is right behind him. Coolest actor to come out of France since Delon in Le Samourai. The same could be said for the director. John Frankenheimer made some classic films back in the 1960s and 70s, a couple decent ones in the 80's and then in the 90's the cupboards were bare - but he got up off the floor and directed this final great film of his and then died four years later.




There are two textbook set pieces that should be taught in film school.  Precise and thrilling. The famous car chase of course that 20 years later still makes my mouth drop and then the attack on the cars. They must have hired every great stunt car driver in the world for this film. But at the heart of it is De Niro and his growing friendship with Reno. They are both hired to be part of a group of men to steal a valise from a well-protected man. They are led by Natascha McElhone who is the only one in contact with the employers. She won't tell them what is in the valise - it turns out to be a MacGuffin really. Also, in the group are Stellan Skarsgård as the computer expert and Skipp Sudduth as the driver. All men who have been set adrift in the new world looking for cash and meaning - purpose -  even if that is just robbing. Ronins. The plan is executed successfully and then everything is turned on its head. So many good scenes anchored by terrific acting. A favorite of mine.