Ronin
1998 · Directed by John Frankenheimer
Original language: English
- action
- thriller
- crime
The story
A briefcase with undisclosed contents – sought by Irish terrorists and the Russian mob – makes its way into criminals' hands. An Irish liaison assembles a squad of mercenaries, or 'ronin', and gives them the thorny task of recovering the case.
What it’s like
Hard-edged and grounded, with the grit of late-'90s European location shooting: rain-slick Paris streets, dim cafés, cold industrial lots and shabby garages under flat, sodium-tinged or overcast light. Director John Frankenheimer favours long, deliberate takes, wide compositions that let you watch people move through space, and handheld cameras that tighten during the car chases, which are raw and crunching rather than slick. The score is sparse and tense, with brooding strings and muted percussion that drop out to leave street noise, footsteps and the rattle of engines. The vibe is cool, watchful and wry, a world of professionals who speak little and trust less, with dry banter between the leads adding a gruff humour. The pace is patient through the setup and sharp when violence breaks out, which is sudden, practical and bloody in brief bursts, with gunfire, crashes and a few hard-hitting injuries but no gore for its own sake. There is some sexual tension and mild profanity, and the emotional register stays guarded, following a veteran operative who grows reluctantly attached to his crew. Suited to viewers who want a tense, adult caper for a late night in, and fans of character-driven crime thrillers and heist films.
More films like Ronin
Closest in mood, pacing and theme. Tell us why you loved Roninand we’ll explain which ones fit you.
