Reviews

Beautiful realistic story of an ugly gambling addiction. From my point of view, the actors did the extra needed to make this movie an Oscar nominee and another one should be given for the castings. Just couldn't be better. The movie has obviously two different parts. On the first one we get presented to the three main figures and their gambling habits, that put them in deep deep troubles almost grabbing them to grave. On the second part, it's the fight to survive. Some do, while other have to face the unavoidable... Last but definitely not least. Kim Besinger. One of few that years of acting do so great for her. Such sensitivity, charm, and precise performance. Breathless. She must have the Oscar for this one, no question about it. with lots of help from the others: Forest Whitaker, Tim Roth, Danny DeVito, Ray Liotta. Great movie.

The story is very trustworthy and powerful. The technical side of the movie is quite fine.. even the directing of it. The main problem is with the castings, that turned that movie into almost another local and regular cliché with a great lack of impact and even greater lack of impression. Beside the small role of the father, Rafael (played impressively by Asi Dayan), all other actors were unfortunately not in their best. The role of the elder Blind girl, played by Taly Sharon, was fresh but without any intensity as the leading role. therefore the figure she acted had become mild and low profile. There were moments and episodes that looked more like a rehearsal then a real movie. But after all it's a good point to begin from and to make big improvements in the future.