In what is possibly one of the most accomplished and ambitious films among Jim Jarmusch's quite extensive work, we are presented with five occasionally entertaining, humorous and moving stories which take place in five taxis, each driving through their respective cities at night. Inside these taxis characters of a wide assortment of personalities get to interact with each other. The acting is top-notch throughout the entire film, which adds to the real-life feel the film intends to portray. There are, however, a few negative aspects I feel compelled to point out.
Because the film moves from one language to another, the audience, depending on their cultural background, native language, or even personal tastes, is bound to connect more with a particular story than the other. This is probably one of most notorious difficulties the film suffers from, as, for instance, the story starring Roberto Benigni most likely entirely differs from the mood of the previous ones and the last story; personally, this story was the one I liked the least, although it was entertaining, if maybe a little bit absurd at times. Also, changing from one story to the other might be a little bit abrupt, as you must immediately adapt to the new characters. Separately, every story works perfectly on their own, but having to watch them together in a 2-hour film might as well represent a heavy task for the viewer. Then again, this is also the strongest aspect of the film, as it succeeds in trying to depict a similar situation in 5 diverse environments.
Do not get me wrong, the negative aspects that I pointed out are the ones I believe keep this film from being a complete masterpiece. All in all, the film is excellent, and it definitely should be viewed by anyone interested in cinema, as it is highly innovative.
Because the film moves from one language to another, the audience, depending on their cultural background, native language, or even personal tastes, is bound to connect more with a particular story than the other. This is probably one of most notorious difficulties the film suffers from, as, for instance, the story starring Roberto Benigni most likely entirely differs from the mood of the previous ones and the last story; personally, this story was the one I liked the least, although it was entertaining, if maybe a little bit absurd at times. Also, changing from one story to the other might be a little bit abrupt, as you must immediately adapt to the new characters. Separately, every story works perfectly on their own, but having to watch them together in a 2-hour film might as well represent a heavy task for the viewer. Then again, this is also the strongest aspect of the film, as it succeeds in trying to depict a similar situation in 5 diverse environments.
Do not get me wrong, the negative aspects that I pointed out are the ones I believe keep this film from being a complete masterpiece. All in all, the film is excellent, and it definitely should be viewed by anyone interested in cinema, as it is highly innovative.
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