Watch Bullet
- R
- 1995
- 1 hr 36 min
-
6.4 (8,936)
Bullet is a classic "cop vs gangster" movie from 1996, directed by Julien Temple and starring Mickey Rourke, Frank Senger and Adrien Brody. The film tells the story of Butch "Bullet" Stein, a Jewish mob enforcer from Brooklyn who is betrayed by his bosses and sent to prison. Upon his release, he seeks revenge against those who wronged him and tries to rebuild his life.
The movie starts with a violent scene where Bullet and his crew are robbing a strip club. Mickey Rourke's performance as Bullet is captivating right from the start, as he emits a menacing aura that immediately makes him the center of attention. His character is ruthless, violent and unpredictable, but he also possesses a certain charm and humor that make him likable despite his flaws.
As the story unfolds, we learn that Bullet was betrayed by his boss, Lenny, played by Toby Huss. Lenny is a coke addict who is always looking for his next fix, and he is pretty much the opposite of Bullet in terms of personality. Lenny is a coward who lets his paranoia and drug addiction control him, and he betrays Bullet to save his own skin when the heat gets too intense.
After spending some time in prison, Bullet tries to start a new life, but he quickly finds out that it's not easy to leave the criminal world behind. He has a son, who he loves dearly, but he is estranged from his ex-wife and has trouble connecting with his child. He also has an on-and-off relationship with his girlfriend, played by Adrien Brody, who is a stripper and a drug addict.
Bullet's quest for revenge leads him to confront Lenny and his crew, which sets off a series of violent confrontations that culminate in a bloody and explosive finale. Along the way, Bullet has to deal with corrupt cops, rival gangs and his own demons, which makes for a thrilling and emotional ride.
One of the strengths of Bullet is its portrayal of the criminal underworld. The movie doesn't shy away from the violence, drug abuse and other criminal activities that are prevalent in this world, but it also shows the human side of the characters. Bullet may be a killer, but he is also a father, a lover and a friend. The movie doesn't try to glorify or romanticize the criminal lifestyle, but it also doesn't judge its characters too harshly.
The performances in Bullet are top-notch across the board. Mickey Rourke is the standout, but Frank Senger also shines as Bullet's loyal friend, Tank. Adrien Brody is also excellent as Bullet's girlfriend, who is both vulnerable and tough. Toby Huss is suitably slimy and despicable as Lenny, and there are a number of other memorable characters, such as the corrupt cop played by Ted Levine.
The direction by Julien Temple is also noteworthy. He infuses the movie with a stylish and gritty visual aesthetic that perfectly captures the mood and tone of the story. The action scenes are well choreographed and intense, and the quieter moments are given room to breathe and develop.
Overall, Bullet is a classic crime movie that deserves more recognition than it has received. It's a gripping, violent and emotional journey that will keep you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The characters are well drawn, the performances are excellent, and the direction is top-notch. If you're a fan of the genre, then Bullet is definitely worth checking out.