Sai and Shujath talk Cinema

This movie first came to my attention when at the time of its release I read that the opening and the end credits were set to A.R. Rahman’s Chaiyya Chaiyya. I finally got to watch this only yesterday and all I can say is….Spike Lee rocks. A cracker of a movie - unarguably the best bank heist flick I’ve ever seen.

The action starts right from the very first reel and the tension and suspense never relent until the end. This is a bank robbery unlike any other. The intentions of the robbers are unknown as the negotiator (Denzel Washington) and the chief of the heist (Clive Owen) try to outsmart each other at every single opportunity. Also, there is another negotiator (Jodie Foster) sent by the bank’s owner who complicates the proceedings.

Another thing which impressed me about this movie is that it doesn’t try to be too preposterous; there is minimal use of hi-fi gadgetry unlike other movies in the genre which does not make this seem implausible at all. Lee has always been known for dealing with racism in his films and this one is no exception. I also like the way he credits his movies as “a Spike Lee Joint”.

Denzel Washington sports a different look and has a different role unlike his usual stuff and he is great here. Jodie Foster too is good in a shady role. Clive Owen is super cool and absolutely charismatic as the overly smart bank robber. He was really the show stealer. Terence Blanchard’s score makes sure the proceedings are always on a high.

Spike Lee and writer Russell Gewirtz are apparently working on a sequel currently. I wouldn’t want to miss that one. This truly is a great thriller which you should not miss. Also, be sure to watch this if you are a Rahman fan for he is responsible for the pumped up opening and closing sequence.