Watch Condition Red

Condition Red is a 1995 action-packed thriller movie directed by Mika Kaurismäki and starring James Russo, Cynda Williams, and Paul Calderon. The movie follows a group of criminals as they execute a daring robbery that goes awry, leading to an intense standoff with the police. The story takes place in the streets of Chicago, where a group of seasoned criminals led by an experienced thief named Bobby (Russo) plan to rob a prominent bank in the city. The group includes his girlfriend Cindy (Williams), an ex-con named Mike (Calderon), and a group of other thugs with different sets of skills. The heist itself is executed with meticulous precision, but things quickly go wrong when they find themselves trapped inside the bank with the police quickly surrounding them.

As the standoff between the robbers and the police intensifies, the tension begins to mount rapidly as negotiations with the authorities break down. The robbers are forced to engage in a brutal game of cat and mouse as they try to escape while keeping the hostages as leverage. Things become even more complicated when they realize that one of their own has turned against them and is working with the authorities.

The movie is a masterclass in suspenseful storytelling, as it keeps the audience on the edge of their seats throughout its entire running time. The tension is palpable, and as the movie progresses, the stakes keep getting higher and higher. The characters are well-developed, and their motivations and actions are believable, making the audience invest in their fate.

One of the main strengths of the movie is its cast. James Russo delivers a standout performance as the leader of the gang, Bobby. He is charismatic, yet ruthless, and his performance is both menacing and captivating. Cynda Williams is also excellent as the female lead, Cindy, bringing depth to what could have been a one-dimensional character. Paul Calderon plays the role of Mike, the ex-con with a heart of gold, bringing a sense of humanity to an otherwise brutal scenario.

The movie also features a strong visual style, with impressive action set pieces and well-executed sequences of suspense. The cinematography is gritty and realistic, capturing the mood of the movie and making the audience feel like they are a part of the action. The score by Joe Delia is also noteworthy, adding a layer of tension and intensity to the movie that enhances the overall experience.

Overall, Condition Red is a must-see movie for fans of the action and thriller genres. It delivers on all fronts, from its tense storyline to its well-executed action sequences and excellent performances by its cast. This is a movie that deserves to be remembered as a classic of its genre, and it's a shame that it has been largely overlooked since its release.