Wolf follows a young kickboxer named Maj as he drifts into the criminal underworld ran by the Turkish mob. Wolf is a film jammed pack with genres. Sports Drama. Crime Drama. Family Drama. Take your pick, this film has it all. While that seems ambitious for one film, Wolf pulls it off with talent both on screen and behind the scenes. Shown in black and white, Wolf starts with Maj and his best friend stealing mopeds from a shop. A scene that starts right off the bat and let's you know what kind of film you're in for. Now, while the film's plot is clichè, Wolf makes up for its familiar path with a grand array of thoughtful performances and provocative subtext. Marwan Kenzari is perfect in the role of Maj. He's a brooding and vicious man played with a cold and brisk demeanor. Kenzari's skills are able to keep us going from start to finish as we see Raj's ups and downs with the utmost honesty. Despite these qualities, Wolf often drowns itself with repetitive scenes, including ones in which Maj and his terminally ill brother share brotherly bonding time. While these scenes are well acted and paced, by the end of the film, you're left with the feeling that it gave nothing to the story except drag it out. With a bloated runtime of barely over two hours, you begin to feel the effects of it in the middle of the film but quickly tries to get back on track with the more interesting plot of the mob and Maj's descent into his own personal hell. Wolf is very much so a character study of a violent man with a heart of gold. While he is no Carlito Brigante or Michael Corleone, Maj is a more disturbed individual with a dark past and family life that is more than estranged and borders on dysfunctional. The film features some brutal and abrupt scenes of violence that are very realistic and beautifully choreographed, despite some of them feeling as though director Jim Taihuttu went out of his way to shock us. Instead of shocking, some feel a bit drawn out and intended to add more character to Maj but instead makes the audience feel less sympathetic with his situation. There are great qualities to Wolf but some moments of greatness do not entirely forgive some of the weaker moments. One of which featuring Maj's old girlfriend jumping from one gangster to the next, which proves to be a bit more costly than Maj originally intends it to be. Again, another subplot that could have been cut down just a bit. Overall, Wolf is entertaining and features moments of sheer brilliance but the familiar and sometimes bloated story keeps it from achieving pure greatness.
14 Reviews
A good and cool movie. Just enjoy it.
ralph_valkenburgh7 October 2014
First off I would like to say that don't hate a movie for cliché's, Love it for it's originality within the cliché's (if it has some of course), cause this movie has it.
Wolf, a film I thought would be a flop, at least at first when a friend of mine recommended it to me (I hate Dutch acting. So washed up "Look at me, I am *actors name*, therefore you love me, and what do you mean with the character I portray in this movie is the same as in all my movies, people love my acting" style.). But man was I wrong. And when I say wrong, I mean WRONG. I enjoyed the entirety of the movie, maybe because I grew up in similar circumstances, with similar people during the 90's and 00's, or maybe because the acting, and Character development, and Dialogue was done/written superbly, and spot on.
The kind of story it holds however, has been overused, and understandably, it is therefore a cliché. Nevertheless the overall feel to it was different, as you got a chance to see Dutch street life as it has never been shown before. A real look into it, rather than a joke, or a failed attempt.
Wolf is worth the watch on any occasion, though I recommend you watch it with no more than 3 people including yourself.
I rate this movie an 6.8, for enjoyment, and time well spend.
Wolf, a film I thought would be a flop, at least at first when a friend of mine recommended it to me (I hate Dutch acting. So washed up "Look at me, I am *actors name*, therefore you love me, and what do you mean with the character I portray in this movie is the same as in all my movies, people love my acting" style.). But man was I wrong. And when I say wrong, I mean WRONG. I enjoyed the entirety of the movie, maybe because I grew up in similar circumstances, with similar people during the 90's and 00's, or maybe because the acting, and Character development, and Dialogue was done/written superbly, and spot on.
The kind of story it holds however, has been overused, and understandably, it is therefore a cliché. Nevertheless the overall feel to it was different, as you got a chance to see Dutch street life as it has never been shown before. A real look into it, rather than a joke, or a failed attempt.
Wolf is worth the watch on any occasion, though I recommend you watch it with no more than 3 people including yourself.
I rate this movie an 6.8, for enjoyment, and time well spend.
Under a one society every action is so distinct.
Reno-Rangan2 June 2014
Like many saying this must be the best ever Dutch movie. At least from the list I have seen so far. The movie surprised me from the every corner with the great cast and powerful performances. Made me to think like I am on a right movie at a right time. Yeah, the subject was quite a strong as the title indicates, though it was not that brutal yet enjoyable.
A movie that depicts the social lives of the different ethical groups who endeavor power to rule and to lead sustainable lives. It was a crime-cum-sport-drama, but took all the time to build a better platform for the last quarter of the movie. In the initial hour the story was well developed with fine characters and leaves nothing behind you to carry a bag of doubts. The boxing concept would have not been a necessary, though politely blended into the mainstream story just like the Korean movie 'Punch'.
The main character Majid was good. This is the character that encounters everything in the story like emotions and conflicts in his unpleasant life. When his family and romantic life was not arranged properly, he got a slot to rewrite his social life and he has to act tough regarding the approach he chose. The tale of his gang was quite predictable, especially the twist that coming from that way was as expected. Then what makes this movie so special? Well, all together like a multi-face of a character that reshapes according to the situation was displayed precisely. Not only the actors, but praisable job was done by the writer and the director. This underworld and multi-cultural story is definitely not for everyone for many reasons. This could be a perfect entertainer if you take lightly everything you going to see. Overall one of a better movie of the year from this geographical region.
A movie that depicts the social lives of the different ethical groups who endeavor power to rule and to lead sustainable lives. It was a crime-cum-sport-drama, but took all the time to build a better platform for the last quarter of the movie. In the initial hour the story was well developed with fine characters and leaves nothing behind you to carry a bag of doubts. The boxing concept would have not been a necessary, though politely blended into the mainstream story just like the Korean movie 'Punch'.
The main character Majid was good. This is the character that encounters everything in the story like emotions and conflicts in his unpleasant life. When his family and romantic life was not arranged properly, he got a slot to rewrite his social life and he has to act tough regarding the approach he chose. The tale of his gang was quite predictable, especially the twist that coming from that way was as expected. Then what makes this movie so special? Well, all together like a multi-face of a character that reshapes according to the situation was displayed precisely. Not only the actors, but praisable job was done by the writer and the director. This underworld and multi-cultural story is definitely not for everyone for many reasons. This could be a perfect entertainer if you take lightly everything you going to see. Overall one of a better movie of the year from this geographical region.
Don't let this one pass you by...
esmae18 September 2013
Just got back from the cinema and felt a strong urge to review this movie.
It's successful predecessor 'RABAT', also produced by HABBEKRATS, combined with the rather interesting trailer are what made me curious about this movie.
I can't say I stepped into it without expectations, quite the opposite, as the trailer leaves you no option really:) But WOLF lived up to every expectations I had and more.
Everything from how precisely Dutch street life is depicted, choice of actors, to story-line, realness & rawness, are what make this movie an absolute must see. It manages to captivate the observer from start to end without a doubt.
For many it will create insights into a world that has remained unknown to them & for some it will be a movie close to their heart, close to their own lives & experiences. Either way, you will surely not be disappointed.
I believe it's save to state that HABBEKRATS has proved to be more than a one-hit wonder and they are here to stay.
As for me, I proudly & warmly welcome any Dutch production of this caliber!
It's successful predecessor 'RABAT', also produced by HABBEKRATS, combined with the rather interesting trailer are what made me curious about this movie.
I can't say I stepped into it without expectations, quite the opposite, as the trailer leaves you no option really:) But WOLF lived up to every expectations I had and more.
Everything from how precisely Dutch street life is depicted, choice of actors, to story-line, realness & rawness, are what make this movie an absolute must see. It manages to captivate the observer from start to end without a doubt.
For many it will create insights into a world that has remained unknown to them & for some it will be a movie close to their heart, close to their own lives & experiences. Either way, you will surely not be disappointed.
I believe it's save to state that HABBEKRATS has proved to be more than a one-hit wonder and they are here to stay.
As for me, I proudly & warmly welcome any Dutch production of this caliber!
Wolf hunt
zoricaristevska21 January 2018
Warning: Spoilers
Not sure is it because of the black and white display, but everything feels stronger thanks to the lack of colors with this film. Although I found a lot of similarities with the french picture "The Prophet" (young emigrant trouble maker with origins from one of the North African countries, climbing his way through the hardships of the criminal world to the top) , the dutch production successfully held my attention long time afterwards. The main character Majid, whose problems arise from all sides, isn't doing well. He recently got out of jail, his brother is dying of cancer, his father disowns him, his girlfriend has stains on her fidelity record, and as the cherry on the top, the Turkish mafia reaches out to him. But his biggest problem, is himself. He has a temper, as well as a talent for fighting. But two scenes cross my mind when I think it - the one when his girlfriend asks him "How does it feel to be that violent?" and when he crosses paths with the wolf in the forest, and chooses not to shoot it. It is very curious that such violent person will let the wild animal live. I like to think that the movie ending depicts the forest event. This lonesome creature, who depends on entirely on instinct and didn't have anyone guarding his back, through sheer power of will, has kept his own.
There are few Jewels like that
fabianbraun-593198 September 2018
Since I watched much films in the last past 15 years, I can say, there are not much really good movies of this kind. There is nothing you cant agree with. You can feel with the main character. There is nothing overdriven, just reality in every detail. Hope we will see more of this kind from the director.
The most amazing work of Habbekrats till today!
mcsharq19 September 2013
The movie is made by the amazing Habbekrats with the amazing cast. Thecamera-work and directing is insanely good with the black/white HD is it even stronger then expected. Storywise isn't it something we saw before, it really strong. While watching the movie you see the story about a guy in Utrecht. He had a difficult youth and being in a program to get back on track he finds way to get more money. With his friends he joins up and finding the way. He is a kick boxer and is getting picked up by a manager who wants the best for him. While the story goes on he is getting back in his old habits while trying to take care of his family.
This movie sends all the wrong messages
Einarr0113 March 2014
Warning: Spoilers
I rarely bother writing reviews here these days, but I couldn't resist sharing a couple of opinions on this one. I do get why it's so highly rated here on IMDb, yet I thought that for a change a director would like to presents us with something different, like a social comment for instance, than the following:
A young man from a Moroccan family living in the suburbs of a Dutch city feels the effects of the anomic society he's inhabiting. On top of that he is far and away from the morals and ethics of his parents, which is presumable, given the fact that he lives in a environment which runs on mixture of mechanic (the parents) and organic solidarity (the dutch). Being alone (which by the way is signified by the allegory with the wolf - an animal who can lead a lonely life, but has strong guts, just like the main protagonist), estranged from the society of his parents, and alienated from the Dutch society in which he grew, he never manages to find his way, which results in outburst of violence, crime and, eventually, death.
Instead of criticising that by his oeuvre (even if he tried, he failed for the sake of the movie selling well) the director's use the same old story told once again here which results in praising the actual acts of violence, crime, vengeance, hypocrisy and most of all profanity. You see it's a natural for the individual to feel angst when confronted by something he doesn't know and understand, something that is foreign to him and therefore seen as a threat. Virtually, what we have here is the main protagonist who feels all this towards the time and place he lives in together with his environments and the people around his - friends and family included. It's crucial for us to understand that he fists his way throughout his life because he failed to find his way into it, therefore, he's unable to cope with it otherwise.
I believe, it's quite poignant the fact that he cannot maintain a simple relationship, which is obviously something he cannot manage, just because he doesn't know how to act in a relationship. The girl he likes is a bimbo from the hood - he'll kill for her, yet it's too much for him to call her for 6 months, because he never managed to internalise what it is to care and to be cared for.
Many will find inspiration in this movie, just because hoards of people nowadays are in the same situation. They feel alone, lost, estranged and misunderstood - as I said above all these are the result of an anomic society under the influence of their own oeuvre. Many will praise the main protagonist for his ability to fist his way throughout the banalities of life.
Why I hated this movie is because it never grew to actually acknowledge all the problems that it raises. These are amongst many others: the human situation, discrimination, failure in multicultural policies, failure in dealing with the problems with the minorities an mostly marginalising these minorities. Not to mention the fact that instead putting these issues onto the table and furthermore dealing with the violence and crime that are so deceptively shown here, it actually makes us feel for them and most importantly for the need of a persona to establish them.
Last but not least it failed to perform an even slight attempt of evolution and reincarnation of the character - it's suitable to mention here that the movie lacked ANY likable characters to begin with apart from the dying, well-to-do brother, who's figure was obviously an allegory of the helplessness of the entire situation to change and the message that it's all doomed. All in all I cannot show respect for a movie that praises what is wrong in a society instead giving it a voice up for a chance. Maybe by filming it all, the director wanted to show us all the stereotypes through which he patched his movie and raise all the questions coming out of them, yet it all turned against it, not matter the good cinematography and believable characters.
A young man from a Moroccan family living in the suburbs of a Dutch city feels the effects of the anomic society he's inhabiting. On top of that he is far and away from the morals and ethics of his parents, which is presumable, given the fact that he lives in a environment which runs on mixture of mechanic (the parents) and organic solidarity (the dutch). Being alone (which by the way is signified by the allegory with the wolf - an animal who can lead a lonely life, but has strong guts, just like the main protagonist), estranged from the society of his parents, and alienated from the Dutch society in which he grew, he never manages to find his way, which results in outburst of violence, crime and, eventually, death.
Instead of criticising that by his oeuvre (even if he tried, he failed for the sake of the movie selling well) the director's use the same old story told once again here which results in praising the actual acts of violence, crime, vengeance, hypocrisy and most of all profanity. You see it's a natural for the individual to feel angst when confronted by something he doesn't know and understand, something that is foreign to him and therefore seen as a threat. Virtually, what we have here is the main protagonist who feels all this towards the time and place he lives in together with his environments and the people around his - friends and family included. It's crucial for us to understand that he fists his way throughout his life because he failed to find his way into it, therefore, he's unable to cope with it otherwise.
I believe, it's quite poignant the fact that he cannot maintain a simple relationship, which is obviously something he cannot manage, just because he doesn't know how to act in a relationship. The girl he likes is a bimbo from the hood - he'll kill for her, yet it's too much for him to call her for 6 months, because he never managed to internalise what it is to care and to be cared for.
Many will find inspiration in this movie, just because hoards of people nowadays are in the same situation. They feel alone, lost, estranged and misunderstood - as I said above all these are the result of an anomic society under the influence of their own oeuvre. Many will praise the main protagonist for his ability to fist his way throughout the banalities of life.
Why I hated this movie is because it never grew to actually acknowledge all the problems that it raises. These are amongst many others: the human situation, discrimination, failure in multicultural policies, failure in dealing with the problems with the minorities an mostly marginalising these minorities. Not to mention the fact that instead putting these issues onto the table and furthermore dealing with the violence and crime that are so deceptively shown here, it actually makes us feel for them and most importantly for the need of a persona to establish them.
Last but not least it failed to perform an even slight attempt of evolution and reincarnation of the character - it's suitable to mention here that the movie lacked ANY likable characters to begin with apart from the dying, well-to-do brother, who's figure was obviously an allegory of the helplessness of the entire situation to change and the message that it's all doomed. All in all I cannot show respect for a movie that praises what is wrong in a society instead giving it a voice up for a chance. Maybe by filming it all, the director wanted to show us all the stereotypes through which he patched his movie and raise all the questions coming out of them, yet it all turned against it, not matter the good cinematography and believable characters.
Raw and Moving
tacom3 February 2014
Unfortunately I missed this movie in the cinema, but just bought the DVD and I am glad I did. I loved Rabat and was curious to find out if this movie was as good. It was, even better in my eyes. Very raw and rough storyline and still you are drawn into the story. Mostly thanks to Marwan Kenzari who plays his character with an intensity in both violent scenes as in the more moving scenes. Violence in this movie is just getting worse and worse....and you can see it happen and still you are shocked when it escalates. Beautifully shot in black and white. Fantastic crew of actors. Very credible in dialogs. Great art direction, simple and very convincing. Loved it, highly recommended. I can not wait for this team's new production.
great film
teabaga2217 January 2014
Must say I have got to be in the right mind to watch subtitled movies. When I found out this was black and white I so nearly stopped watching this. AM GLAD I Didn't. This film is a great watch. Sex drugs guns fighting but with a bit of a story line. although a bit gangster cheesy in a few bits its kept me wanting to watch more. I think the bits of the film can relate to anybody who has grown up in a less than posh town. If in doubt give it a watch no its not no great masterpiece but id watch it twice and that's saying a lot. A lot of ppl just think of Amsterdam when they think of Holland ans yes its a crazy place(pls go if u can lol) but Holland like every other euro country has its rough places. Enjoy
Destined For Cult Status
Falconeer16 June 2021
Warning: Spoilers
This is classic, well-recognized 'Gangster Film.." It's got all the violence, all the machismo, the objectification of women, and the anti hero, who could be a master of the world if he could stop being seduced by the criminals who are his best friends.
But "Wolf" is different, with it's stark, b&w photography, that makes even the ugliest violence look beautiful, and because of the unusual protagonist, Majid, who does really questionable things, and yet is still likable, because of this "nobility" that he has about him, that's hard to not resp0ect, and envy.
"Wolf" is about Arabs living inside a Netherlands ghetto neighborhood. They are dealing with the anti Arab racism around them on a daily basis; nobody treats them like they are wanted there, and they attract violence like a magnet. With little options available to them, it's only natural they resort to crime. But Majid's skill as a pro kickboxer could get him out, he realizes this when he finds that no opponent can remain standing when he is in the ring. Of course his friends are his "family," and in true gangster fashion, they have to screw it up for him. At the heart of this story, like all true gangster epics, is "Respect" and the need for it. Majid wants his girlfriend to respect him, even though he has zero respect for her. He thinks he can beat her into respecting him. Of course he has the respect of his little brother, who both idolizes and seems to fear his older brother. But what he really wants and needs, is the respect of his father, and the need for that respect, is Majid's downfall, as the film shows us, in a subtle, but powerful and solemn ending. I'm obsessed with this film, as I am with (the very similar "Only God Forgives"), and all the shrouded symbolism and moody, nightmarish atmosphere the two movies create. OGF, soaked in neon colors, and "Wolf," captured in bleak B&w photography. The protagonists are quiet and deadly, much like the heroes from the Italian Westerns of the 1970's. The actor who portrays Wolf, Marwan Kenzari, is a really fascinating actor as well. I have seen him in other movies, and he has some impressive range as an actor. He owns this film, with the blackness of his hair and eyes looking ferocious against the b&w film stock. I think this film will gather a cult following over the years. Being a Dutch film, it probably hasn't reached a large, international audience yet. Highly recommended.
But "Wolf" is different, with it's stark, b&w photography, that makes even the ugliest violence look beautiful, and because of the unusual protagonist, Majid, who does really questionable things, and yet is still likable, because of this "nobility" that he has about him, that's hard to not resp0ect, and envy.
"Wolf" is about Arabs living inside a Netherlands ghetto neighborhood. They are dealing with the anti Arab racism around them on a daily basis; nobody treats them like they are wanted there, and they attract violence like a magnet. With little options available to them, it's only natural they resort to crime. But Majid's skill as a pro kickboxer could get him out, he realizes this when he finds that no opponent can remain standing when he is in the ring. Of course his friends are his "family," and in true gangster fashion, they have to screw it up for him. At the heart of this story, like all true gangster epics, is "Respect" and the need for it. Majid wants his girlfriend to respect him, even though he has zero respect for her. He thinks he can beat her into respecting him. Of course he has the respect of his little brother, who both idolizes and seems to fear his older brother. But what he really wants and needs, is the respect of his father, and the need for that respect, is Majid's downfall, as the film shows us, in a subtle, but powerful and solemn ending. I'm obsessed with this film, as I am with (the very similar "Only God Forgives"), and all the shrouded symbolism and moody, nightmarish atmosphere the two movies create. OGF, soaked in neon colors, and "Wolf," captured in bleak B&w photography. The protagonists are quiet and deadly, much like the heroes from the Italian Westerns of the 1970's. The actor who portrays Wolf, Marwan Kenzari, is a really fascinating actor as well. I have seen him in other movies, and he has some impressive range as an actor. He owns this film, with the blackness of his hair and eyes looking ferocious against the b&w film stock. I think this film will gather a cult following over the years. Being a Dutch film, it probably hasn't reached a large, international audience yet. Highly recommended.
Don't romanticize crime and thugs
BirdyBirdmanDude4 March 2019
I tried to watch it an hour or so but couldn't finish the job. I've lived and worked in the area called Kanaleineiland (where this takes place) and know what that's like. In this movie the criminals are portrayed as charismatic bad guys with a certain charm but I can tell you: there is no charm! Those criminals are utter scum and don't deserve a romanticized movie about their lives. Their lives are wasted and of no use for society. A generation lost. They have no moral codes, no 'honor amongst thieves' or anything like it. They prey on innocent women, children, hell.. anyone! Steeling, cursing, lying, hating, stabbing, shooting, robbing, destroying.. This movie should have shown them for what they are: cowards, lazy useless tumors of society. Instead it tries to show they actually have a heart.. but they don't. For them, every woman is a prostitute, except maybe their own mothers. Skip this awful propaganda and spend your time on something useful.
Cliché, .. but more of a thinly veiled fantasy film ..
roxysands20 October 2014
Warning: Spoilers
Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover.
The Director of this film is also the screenwriter, (please keep this in mind) which makes one wonder if there's any latent quasi-envy issues in his social-political p.o.v. towards black men. Read on, then watch the film.
The progression of the story and the plight of the main character Maj-id (Moroccan descent) seems woefully preoccupied with race and acceptance. This meme is repeated over and over to a point of .. (see last sentence of this review) Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. He even hits his girlfriend. She befriends a black man(and Maj-id loses it. The girlfriend is sexually turned on and wants to know what its like to beat a man to a pulp. Black people in the film are referred to as a monkeys or jungle commandos.
Maj-id .. remember .. is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. Even with full swing baton hits to the stomach and to a seemingly broken hand. You must understand that Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. I know, it gets old.
Stereotypical high school fantasy writing. You see, the film's setting is in the Netherlands, though there's hardly any Dutch people in the film. The writer/director solely uses black people in this story to juxtapose Maj-id's thuggish activities, or beats them to a pulp to prove his skills as a boxer.
Realistically if Maj-id's world of organized crime involved dealing with Dutch people, .. well, then Maj-id and his gang would be likely referred to as monkeys. Hence the writing and casting decisions.
This portrait of Maj-id suggests he's not black, he's Moroccan ... and he's just filled with rage. Why? In this film, you'll never find out. It's not important. What seems important to the writer/director is to have Maj-id head butt his 70 year old father (yes, the same father who has 12 year old son) .. in the hospital after his brother dies.
This same portrait of Maj-id displays him with an enormous gold tooth and matching gold chain. Cue rap music. Yes, there's scenes in which he robs and vandalizes while rap music is blaring. But, he's not black, he's Moroccan.
Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. He hits women, head butts his 70 year old father and can beat a world champion boxer .. even if his ribs are busted and his hand is broken.
What was the director thinking? Watch the film.
The Director of this film is also the screenwriter, (please keep this in mind) which makes one wonder if there's any latent quasi-envy issues in his social-political p.o.v. towards black men. Read on, then watch the film.
The progression of the story and the plight of the main character Maj-id (Moroccan descent) seems woefully preoccupied with race and acceptance. This meme is repeated over and over to a point of .. (see last sentence of this review) Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. He even hits his girlfriend. She befriends a black man(and Maj-id loses it. The girlfriend is sexually turned on and wants to know what its like to beat a man to a pulp. Black people in the film are referred to as a monkeys or jungle commandos.
Maj-id .. remember .. is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. Even with full swing baton hits to the stomach and to a seemingly broken hand. You must understand that Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, street thief, thug, henchman and lover. I know, it gets old.
Stereotypical high school fantasy writing. You see, the film's setting is in the Netherlands, though there's hardly any Dutch people in the film. The writer/director solely uses black people in this story to juxtapose Maj-id's thuggish activities, or beats them to a pulp to prove his skills as a boxer.
Realistically if Maj-id's world of organized crime involved dealing with Dutch people, .. well, then Maj-id and his gang would be likely referred to as monkeys. Hence the writing and casting decisions.
This portrait of Maj-id suggests he's not black, he's Moroccan ... and he's just filled with rage. Why? In this film, you'll never find out. It's not important. What seems important to the writer/director is to have Maj-id head butt his 70 year old father (yes, the same father who has 12 year old son) .. in the hospital after his brother dies.
This same portrait of Maj-id displays him with an enormous gold tooth and matching gold chain. Cue rap music. Yes, there's scenes in which he robs and vandalizes while rap music is blaring. But, he's not black, he's Moroccan.
Maj-id is an unbeatable boxer, thug, thief, henchman and lover. He hits women, head butts his 70 year old father and can beat a world champion boxer .. even if his ribs are busted and his hand is broken.
What was the director thinking? Watch the film.
Boring, pretentious and illogical
recklez1 July 2015
Warning: Spoilers
If you are wondering what this movie is about. Just watch the movie and you'll keep wondering for more then two hours. To me, the movie was about a director falling in love with the main actor Majid. Just a followup of scenes of Majid walking the stairs up, Majid walking the stairs down, Majid eating his oatmeal, Majid working' out, Majid showing his muscles, Majid making love, Majid getting angry, Majid happy, Majid working out, .Majid in a cool leather jacket, Majid talking, Majid walking, Majid taking control... well you can fill in the dots. And it consumes too much time on those kind of scenes, that don't add any value to the story. The director also forgets that there are other actors in the movie. A friend of Majid develops from a small time bicycle thief to a straight up Dead President meet Heat kinda gangster almost overnight. The movie was so slow, it makes No Country for Old Men look like a fast paced car chase flick. I kept hoping for Chigurg popping' out and doing his thing to save the movie. You know a movie becomes bad when you stop caring about the story, characters or character development and start wishing for it to end. The movie is also illogical. It tries to be realistic, but uses a deus ex Majida every time, whose a superman, an unbeatable kick boxer, expert marksman and superb lover. I has an open end, but it feels like an open story. You wait for the story to begin, but it never does. The actor who plays Majid ain't that bad, he's really good. But just too pretentious. Only teenage girls, whom couldn't decide between the Edward vs. Jacob camp will enjoy this movie. And people who suffer from a dormant racial guilt and like to see a Maroccan thrive in a dutch movie.
See also
Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews
