Revenge (1990/I)

User Rating:

5.5/10   

Director:

Tony Scott

Writers (WGA):

Jim Harrison (novel)
Jim Harrison (screenplay) ...

Release Date:

16 February 1990 (USA)

Genre:

Crime | Drama | Romance | Thriller

Tagline:

A passion that cannot be denied. A betrayal that cannot be forgiven.

Plot:

Michael "Jay" Cochran has just left the Navy after 12 years. He's not quite sure what he's going to do...

Plot Keywords:

Mansion | Betrayal | Mexico | Medicine Woman | Prostitute

Cast

Kevin Costner	...	Michael J. 'Jay' Cochran
Anthony Quinn	...	Tiburon 'Tibby' Mendez
Madeleine Stowe	...	Miryea Mendez
Miguel Ferrer	...	Amador
Tomas Milian	...	Cesar
James Gammon	...	Texan
Jesse Corti	...	Medero
Joaquín Martínez	...	Mauro
John Leguizamo	...	Ignacio, Amador's Cousin
Joe Santos	...	Ibarra
Christofer de Oni	...	Cisco Diaz, Ibarra's Man (as Cristofer de Oni)
Sally Kirkland	...	Rock Star
Luis de Icaza	...	Ramon
Gerardo Zepeda	...	Elefante
Daniel Rojo	...	Vaquero

Runtime:

124 min | 104 min (director's cut) | Sweden:115 min (cut version)

Country:

USA | Mexico

Language:

English | Spanish

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Certification:

Canada:R (Nova Scotia) | Iceland:16 | Germany:16 | Poland:18 | Finland:K-15 (new rating: 2001) | Singapore:PG (cut) | Singapore:M18 | Philippines:R-18 | Argentina:16 | Canada:18 (Nova Scotia) | Finland:K-16 | South Korea:18 | Sweden:15 | UK:18 | USA:R | Australia:M

Filming Locations:

Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico

Company:

New World Pictures

Trivia:

Before Tony Scott came on board as director, Kevin Costner himself decided to direct the movie as his directorial debut, but producer Ray Stark talked him out of it as he didn't feel Costner was ready to helm a project just yet.

Quotes:

Michael J. 'Jay' Cochran: I killed a man who I hated today.

Movie Connections:

Referenced in Obsession: The Sex and Violence of Revenge (2007) (V)

Soundtrack:

Are You Ready

Magnifacent ending!

Certainly the ending of this film is extremely moving and literally takes your breath away. It leaves you with a feeling that you have probably seen something better than what you actually have. Of course Tony Scott is one of the most stylish directors about ie.- 'The Hunger'(1983) which has to be one of the most stylish films about. He's also made his fair share of blockbusters ie.-'Top Gun'(1985),'Beverly Hills Cop 2'(1987),'Days of Thunder'(1989) and more recently 'Enemy of the State'(1998)- all of which took a lot of money, the profits of the first one in particular bordering on the ridiculous. And don't forget he made the little seen(in the cinema anyway) but memorable 'True Romance'(1992). So you get the feeling that here Mr.Scot was making a picture trapped in-between both worlds- that of the blockbuster and the more personal picture. The film did only average in the box office and did not really make any kind of impact on any of the performer's careers.It is beautifully filmed with lots of trademark Scott shots ie- sun beams pouring through a drawn blind and mist covering the scenery. The violence is maybe a little too graphic. Costner goes through the motions somewhat in a character who is a mix of the roles he played in 'No Way Out'(1987) and 'The Bodyguard'(1992).He does his best acting in the final quarter of the picture where he shows well executed, muted regret and sorrow.Stowe is very attractive and impressive as Miryea who for the second half of the picture is dying slowly through a drugged daze. Anthony Quinn delivers a solid display as the larger than life Mexican ganster who after delivering his vengeance on Jay and Miryea becomes a sad, secluded old man who takes no pleasure in the measures he has taken but continues to justify them.Such a role is very undemanding for a legend like Quinn.Miguel Ferrer also has an undemanding role and John Leguziamo is impressive in an early career role as an eager but almost mute gunman who aids Costner.The plot is nothing special.The only interesting point is that Quinns character's vengeance, though excessive, is justifiable. Ultimately Jay and Miryea get their just deserts in the sense that both betrayed him through their secretive adultery which seems more born out of lust than love. The love between these two is not well enough developed to justify the beautiful ending to the film. If the couples relationship had been longer and not completely based around sex you could understand the emotion between them more.The piano track used for the two lovers is very touching and forms the perfect soundtrack for the memorable ending sequence. OVERALL- I give this picture 7/10. It is raised above average by the ending. Ultimately it is worth sitting through the picture,which is overlong, and paying attention to it just for the ending which is beautifully shot, romantic, captivating and probably one of the most heartbreakingly sad moments in film history(yes its that good). Even the most stoneyhearted will be touched.