City of Ghosts

Starring:Shawn Andrews, Jouni Johannes Anttones, Rose Byrne, James Caan, Rob Campbell, Christopher Curry, GÃ©rard Depardieu, Gennady Fleyscher, Kirk Fox, Michael Hayes, Abhijati 'Meuk' Jusakul, Rided Lardpanna, Natascha McElhone, Bernard Merklen, Chalee Sankhavesa, Kem Sereyvuth, Jack Shearer, Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd, Vladimir Yepifanov
Studio: MGM (Video & DVD)
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

Despite its brief theatrical release and dismal box-office returns, City of Ghosts marked an impressive directorial debut for Matt Dillon. While transplanting a film noir plot to exotic locations that John Huston might've found inviting, Dillon plays to his strengths as an actor, casting himself as a con artist with a guilty conscience, traveling to Cambodia to locate his unscrupulous mentor and partner (James Caan) and extricate himself from a career of bilking innocent victims. The dangerous territory includes a two-faced schemer (Stellan Skarsgård), a burly French hotelier (Gerard Depardieu), and an alluring architectural restorer (Natascha McElhone) tossed in for obligatory love interest, and Dillon (with cowriter and Wild at Heart author Barry Gifford) creates an engrossing sense of escalating danger as his character sinks into a quagmire of personal and political corruption. Humid atmosphere and colorful scenery add depth and texture to the film's familiar pulp-fictional trappings, suggesting a promising new direction for Dillon's offbeat career. --Jeff Shannon

Description

There are places where your eyes deceive you, your thoughts betray you and desire can get you killed. Matt Dillon (Wild Things) makes his directorial debut and stars with James Caan (Misery), Natascha McElhone (Solaris), Gerard Depardieu (The Man in the Iron Mask) and Stellan SkarsgÃ¥rd (Ronin) in this "exotic" (Film Threat) crime thriller that "drips withatmosphere" (The Hollywood Reporter). After a bogus insurance scam sparks an FBI investigation, front man Jimmy Cremmins (Dillon) flees to Cambodia to meet his mentor, Marvin (Caan). But Jimmy gets more than he bargains for whenagainst a backdrop of raw, dangerous beauty and ever-shifting loyaltiesMarvin draws him into a web of deceit and murder from which there may be no way out!

Customer Reviews:

Extremely powerful movie telling the tale of a Ponzi scheme fugitive.......2007-06-07

CITY OF GHOSTS is an extremely powerful movie, telling a story that
will pull the audience's intellectual, moral, rational and emotional
strings, but may lie outside of the grasp of the younger audiences,
with lower IQ's.

The strengths of this picture, is its no-nonsense, mature approach in
telling the tale of a Ponzi scheme creator, an insurance company that
had no underlying reserves and no intentions in paying any claims
that could arise from the policies underwritten. These were popular
from their under-priced competitiveness, sold by Matt Dillon. Of
course, when a hurricane hits Florida, the Carolinas, and people
submit claims for their losses, the owner disappears, leaving many
home owners destitute, the company decapitalized as all $10 m of
premiums were funnelled into the Cayman Isles and Swiss numbered bank
accounts, beyond the reach of regulators.

Matt Dillon and James Caan, demonstrate extreme acting skill, and
credibility, with a subtle, meaningful presence throughout the 90
mins. Natasha McElhone has a natural, shining presence playing an
archeologist.

The cinematography is simply excellent, in all filming situations,
night, day, action scenes and not, with a quasi-wide screen release
that is sharp, clear and well edited.

The soundtrack is also equally outstanding, with immense discernment
in the numbers selected, in the many tense moments. It is able to
enhance a multitude of emotions, and moods set in the film, some
reminiscent of the Louis Armstrong style in the saloons, other times,
popular music from Cambodia, and Thailand, were the entirety of the
film unfolds.

Intelligently, the script touches upon the various foreign heritage
of the area, with Gerard Depardieu playing a hotel owner and barman
in Phnom Penh (French colonial presence), shows one or two burnt out
former US military, and a group of "rave-scene" party goers from the
UK and USA doing tourism.

Wisely, the Director chose to film the more historical aspects with
many artistic shots and choices of streets, its people, merchants,
ancient ruins, cultural practices, etc. Seeing taxis in the form of a
tri-cycle pedaled by human power or other taxis on a low cylinder
motorcycle engine with a single passenger seat will be intriging, as
are the hotels with baboons climbing the windows, or snakes and
elephants in the streets.

An aspect that will worry the audience, throughout, is the morality
and the character of the individuals who are comparable to quicksand.
The characters dealing with those who ran the Ponzi, and laundered
the profits (Russian mobsters), often think they have a firm footing,
only to be later fooled, as double crossing, houses of mirrors are
put up to trap unsuspecting marks, in or out of their own
organization.

The Third World status nature of those locales is reinforced, as the
film shows still existing mine-fields, devastated farm
infrastructure, high ranking officials leaking the identities of
incoming visitors arriving at the airport to the mobsters, corrupted
law enforcement. The fact that those powerful government officials
are all military underlines that those are not democracies.

The poverty aspect is not hidden. The lack of safety in public
streets, against kidnapping, random brutality from thugs is not
surprising, since no city is safe at all times, in every single
place, especially for tourists.

Some aspects, may be difficult to stomach for some audiences, such as
executions, kidnapping, ransoms, or the absolute power of those
holding cold hard cash in a nation with a big disparity of incomes.

Clearly, this story will leave the audience in the theatres immensely
satisfied in having been taken on this dream-like voyage, showing the
horrible human consequences of certain wrong choices, in this case,
the embezzlement of funds.

Great Movie!.......2007-03-30

Its a shame when I don't see a movie for quite a while just because it doesn't get the respect it deserves. This is a great crime drama. Its no soft drama either, it will keep other types of viewers interested as well. A story about a group of individuals connected only through their criminal activities can only turn out violent. Just the amount of distrust being spread around is entertaining enough.
Of course there is one true friendship which developes and is quite endearing throughout the movie. Sort of a guardian angel type of relationship that feels rewarding amongst all the deceit.
And the locations are perfect, there couldn't have been a better place to have this story take place. Its like the frosting on the cake. You will want to see how it all comes together and who survives. Buy this movie, support well made films not just the ones Hollywood blows out it's arse.

An Excellent Film, But Not For Everyone: Underrated! .......2006-10-24

"City of Ghosts" is a very good film. It is much better than I was led to believe from so many other people I know who viewed the film. More importantly however, is that this film is from first-time director and star Matt Dillon. Jimmy (Matt Dillon) is a con man who hurriedly travels to Cambodia. He does so because he and his elusive partner Marvin (James Caan) have just swindled money from the insurance company they run. With disaster claims piling up, and the U.S. law enforcement agents hot on his heels, he decides it is better to seek out his partner and collect his share of the money while he can. However, Jimmy is in for more than he expected. [Guess he never watched "The Killing Fields"].

Cambodia is shown in all its squalor; and the hardships of life the people must endure in order to survive in this very poor country are not lost on the viewer. There is an odd assortment of foreigners in the country that Jimmy meets while staying in a Hotel; which was once in its more glorious times, under French occupation, a high class place. But Cambodia has fallen on very hard times for many years now, and the ameneties we take for granted are not to be found here. Emile (Gerard Depardieu) runs the hotel, and he is a very quirky man by nature. However, it is the character of Joseph Kaspar (Stellan Skarsgard) whom Jimmy meets and strikes up a semi-friendship with that is the center of the story.

There is more to Kaspar and Jimmy's partner Marvin, than Jimmy realizes. And it is here that Jimmy confronts a lesson in life he will soon not forget. One of the mains reasons I liked this film was the countryside and the Cambodian people themselves shown in the film. And also the way in which the conditions of Cambodia were shown. No need for special effects here. You get everything: from the feel of the people, the nature of corruption, and hardship that life in Cambodia must be like. Moreover, after viewing the film I was impressed with how a first-time director was able to pull off such a difficult feat.

Matt Dillon was able to shoot this film in Cambodia and did so in a very touching way. The music is haunting, as is the picture, and I left the theatre afterwards with a feeling of sadness. Afterall, this is Cambodia were talking about. The country is as chaotic today, as it was in the past. Albeit not to the same extremes as Pol Pot and the Khmer Rouge, which tore the country apart. Nonetheless, the difficulties must have been tremendous. And for a first time director, Dillon pulled it off wonderfully. I recommend the film with caution, it may not appeal to all viewers, however, I thought the film was great.

Reminded me of Flesh and Bone.......2006-10-16

Another movie where James Caan plays an evil elder in the borderless world of career criminals that made me absolutely believe that this kind of hopelessness and violence and danger could and does happen.

A Winter Snowstorm.......2006-08-26

"City of Ghosts" is a film that makes you sweat. It looks hot. When Emile the inn keeper (Gerard Depardieu) rents Jimmy a room with an air conditioner that lays in pieces on the floor, you know it's not going to chill out anytime soon. Dillon does a good job capturing the third world vibe. As a story, it kind of ambles along as Jimmy leaves New York to find Marvin played by James Caan. Then we learn that Jimmy's dad may be Marvin and that if there is no honor among thieves, blood is still thicker than water. The moral compass of the film comes from Sereyvuth Kem as the rickshaw driver Sok who comes into quite a sum and leaves part of it to Buddah. Natascha McElhone is a tremendous actress who keeps getting stuck in small films. Yes, she did a great job in "Devil's Own" with Brad Pitt, but others like "Laurel Canyon," "Love's Labour's Lost" and "Ladies in Lavender" have shown her to be over-talented and under-cast. She does a great job in a limited role as she flirts with Jimmy and apparently has enough influence to reform his ethics. Stellan Skarsgard plays Caan's honcho Kaspar who betrays him when push comes to shove. He won the Silver Bear award in Berlin for Best Actor for "Den Enfaldige Mordaren" as an abused lad and has appeared in "Good Will Hunting." He does a great sweaty job as the weak-willed man who falls in love with a Bangkok girl who gets whacked by the Russian mob. The film's story did get a bit bogged down. You had a Russian mob, the Cambodian general who was corrupt, various street gangs, Gerard Depardieu's monkey and the FBI who seemingly disappeared about a quarter of the way into the film all seeming to gang up on Jimmy. One never really figures out how the crime gets settled. Along the way, backpackers get legs chopped off and blown up in a mine field, which apparently was a momentary misleading toward an obscure ending. But maybe the point was the love story; and Natascha McElhone's role just was sufficiently overlooked as Jimmy tries to work out the issues from his past. I thought this film was filled with memorable performances. The problem is all the sweat. This is a good film to rent during a winter snowstorm. Enjoy!

In Search Of History - Forgotten City Of The Jungle (History Channel)

Average customer rating:

Point Of View

In Search Of History - Forgotten City Of The Jungle (History Channel)

Manufacturer: A&E Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( I ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Churning the Sea of Time: A Journey Up the Mekong to Angkor
Globe Trekker - Vietnam
S21 The Khmer Rouge Killing Machine
The Killing Fields
Exploring Thailand and Cambodia

ASIN: B000FKP0W8
Release Date: 2006-05-02

Description

In the dangerous wilds of Western Cambodia is a vast ancient city spread over 75 square miles of dense jungle. The magnificent palaces and mysterious stone temples were hidden from human eyes for generations, but are now recognized as one of the world's great treasures. FORGOTTEN CITY OF THE JUNGLE is an incredible adventure through the awesome ruins of the ruins of Angkor. Marvel at the beauty of the incredible structures that have been reclaimed from the rapacious jungle, and explore newly opened temples alongside the archaeologists who are working to uncover their secrets. Hear of the ghosts and spirits said to inhabit the majestic metropolis. But who built this incredible city, and why did they abandon it after at least 400 years? Interviews with historians, archaeologists and the author of the definitive work on Angkor reveal the latest findings and theories.

Customer Reviews:

Point Of View.......2007-06-08

Nothing hid forever,This is amazing Forgotten City Of The Jungle.
People must see this, It's all on DVD. In Seach Of History-Forgotten City Of The Jungle (History Channel)

Charlie Rose with Jane Arraf; Matt Dillon; Javier Bardem (May 9, 2003)

Average customer rating:

Charlie Rose with Jane Arraf; Matt Dillon; Javier Bardem (May 9, 2003)

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Description

One month after U.S. forces seized Baghdad, Jane Arraf of CNN talks about reconstruction efforts there.Then, a conversation with Matt Dillon, director and actor in the film City of Ghosts.Also, Spanish actor Javier Bardem talks about his performance in the new film, The Dancer Upstairs, directed by John Malkovich.

Average customer rating:

Extremely powerful movie telling the tale of a Ponzi scheme fugitive
Great Movie!
An Excellent Film, But Not For Everyone: Underrated!
Reminded me of Flesh and Bone
A Winter Snowstorm

City of Ghosts [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Thrillers | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

( C ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

City of Ghosts
The Killing Fields
The Matador (Widescreen Edition)
16 Blocks (Widescreen Edition)
The New World

ASIN: B000127MDA

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Extremely powerful movie telling the tale of a Ponzi scheme fugitive.......2007-06-07

Great Movie!.......2007-03-30

An Excellent Film, But Not For Everyone: Underrated! .......2006-10-24

Reminded me of Flesh and Bone.......2006-10-16

A Winter Snowstorm.......2006-08-26

{14 Movies / Over 16 Hours} It's a Joke, Son / the Groom Wore Spurs / St. Benny the Dip / That Uncertain Feeling / Letter of Introduction / Broadway Limited "THE EAST SIDE KIDS IN: Mr. Wise Guy / That Gang of Mine / Ghosts on the Loose / Bowery Blitzkrieg / Boys of the City / Pride of the Bowery / 'Neath the Brooklyn Bridge / Million Dollar Kid"

Average customer rating:

{14 Movies / Over 16 Hours} It's a Joke, Son / the Groom Wore Spurs / St. Benny the Dip / That Uncertain Feeling / Letter of Introduction / Broadway Limited "THE EAST SIDE KIDS IN: Mr. Wise Guy / That Gang of Mine / Ghosts on the Loose / Bowery Blitzkrieg / Boys of the City / Pride of the Bowery / 'Neath the Brooklyn Bridge / Million Dollar Kid"

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

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