Plot: So, when his past and debts start to catch up with him, A high stakes gambler laying low encounters a kindred spirit who might just hold the key to his salvation.
This film was good.
Pros: I like the setting & feel of Macau & Hong Kong. It was simple and well balanced. Colin Farrell was the part about the movie for me in his performance. How it shows desperation through all struggles in this film and how the poker games make me invested and exciting.
Cons: What happened to Reilly’s friend was a mystery is she dead or an illusion. The pacing was rushed in some parts. Characters are very blind. a whole lot of the story beats are left unfinished & it trying too much to be the new uncut gems.
Genre: Mystery & Thriller, Drama
Directed by Edward Berger
Produced by Mike Goodridge, Edward Berger, Mathew James Wilkinson
Based on The Ballad of a Small Player by Lawrence Osborne
Written by Rowan Joffé
Starring: Colin Farrell, Fala Chen, Deanie Ip, Alex Jennings & Tilda Swinton.
Cinematography: James Friend
Edited by Nick Emerson
Music by Volker Bertelmann
Production companies: Good Chaos, Nine Hours, Stigma Films
Distributed by: Netflix
The Casts:
- Colin Farrell as Brendan Reilly / “Lord Doyle”
- Fala Chen as Dao-Ming
- Tilda Swinton as Cynthia Blithe
- Deanie Ip as “Grandma”
- Alex Jennings as Adrian Lippett
Additionally, Anthony Wong makes a cameo appearance as an executive of the Macanese casino.
I still recommend watching this film on Netflix.
Rating: 3 out of 5 Stars
Ryan Balkwill:
Resident film reviewer,
Level Best Art Cafe