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Ballad of the Little Player
Get ready to be inspired by the heartwarming story of a young athlete in Ballad of the Little Player, a 2025 film that's all about chasing your dreams and never giving up. With its uplifting message, this movie is a must-watch for anyone looking for a dose of motivation and encouragement, whether you're a fan of sports or just need a pick-me-up.
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Visually Stunning but Emotionally Hollow: 'Ballad' Falls Short of the Mark
summarizeEditor's Summary
Colin Farrell's 'Ballad' has some of the most stunning visuals I've seen in a while, but the story falls flat. The cinematography and score are mind-blowing, but the characters are lacking depth. I was excited to see what Farrell would bring to the table after watching his previous works, but unfortunately, 'Ballad' doesn't quite live up to the hype. Despite the gorgeous visuals, I found myself checking my watch more than once. If you're a fan of Farrell, you might still want to give it a shot, but be prepared for a disappointing experience.
settingsSpecifications
KararKötü
Hikaye4/10
Görüntü9/10
Performans6/10
Karakterler8/10
I recently caught up with Colin Farrell's latest film, 'Ballad', after watching two of director's other works, 'Western Front Without End' and 'Conclave'. I was curious to see what he'd bring to the table next.
The visuals in this movie are absolute perfection. Each scene looks like a work of Asian art. Every frame on screen had me thinking it was straight out of Wong Kar-wai's 'Chungking Express'. I'm not sure who was behind the visual style, but the cinematography and score are just mind-blowing. That's what kept me engaged until the end.
The characters in this movie are plenty, but three of them really stood out to me: Freddy Doyle, aka Lord Freddy, the self-proclaimed kingpin of Macau, Asia's answer to Vegas; Cynthia Blight, a private detective hired by British creditors to squeeze the debt out of Doyle; and Dao Min, a casino employee who supplies players like Freddy with new credit and a false sense of hope.
Freddy Doyle's character is a real showstopper. He's a man on the edge, a broken soul at rock bottom. He lives life in the fast lane, racking up huge debts in a luxurious hotel, where the staff tolerate him only because he's a high roller. He's always drinking, partying with women, and stuffing his face with caviar until he's on the verge of a food coma. I thought after 'The Doll', I'd never watch a film that made me feel as queasy about these indulgences, but 'Ballad' managed to do just that.
Cynthia Blight, a private detective hired by British creditors to squeeze the debt out of Doyle, is another character who caught my attention. And then there's Dao Min, a casino employee who supplies players like Freddy with new credit and a false sense of hope - inexplicably, she falls for Doyle, despite him saving her from a vengeful gambler in one scene.
There's no real plot to speak of here - you're just along for the ride, à la '99 francs', and enjoying the visuals. Without giving too much away, there are three key plot twists, all centered around the three characters I mentioned earlier. I think the key to the whole thing was experiencing Freddie's dramatic moments.I haven't read the book this movie is based on, but I got the sense that Farrell's performance was a bit off. His acting felt a bit forced, sometimes even theatrical, those shaking hands for the entire film looked unnatural. The stunning visuals clash with the non-Asian characters - especially Tilda Swinton, who looks like she escaped from the set of 'The Grand Budapest Hotel'. All the European and American figures stand out with their hair, accessories, and costumes in the otherwise flawless neon green-blue-purple backdrop.
In the end, the movie is basically empty, but it's so visually stunning that you're left with a good impression anyway. Sometimes aesthetics can save the day.
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Rating Breakdown:
Visuals: 10/10 - The cinematography and score are truly mind-blowing.Story: 4/10 - The plot is thin and lacks depth.Acting: 6/10 - Colin Farrell's performance is a bit off.Overall Rating: 6.5/10
This movie is a visually stunning experience, but it falls short in terms of storytelling and acting. If you're a fan of Asian art and cinematography, you might enjoy this film. However, if you're looking for a more engaging and well-crafted story, you might want to look elsewhere.
live_helpFeatured FAQ
Is 'Ballad' a visually stunning film?
Yes, the film's visuals are absolutely stunning, with each scene looking like a work of art. The cinematography is top-notch, and the score is catchy and memorable.
Is the story engaging?
Unfortunately, no. The story is paper-thin, with underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot.
Is the film a good watch for fans of Colin Farrell?
It depends. If you're a die-hard fan of Farrell, you might still want to give it a shot, but be prepared for a disappointing experience.
Is the film's use of color impressive?
Yes, the film's use of color is impressive, with a consistent and cohesive palette.
Is the production design sleek and modern?
Yes, the production design is sleek and modern, adding to the film's visual appeal.
Are the themes of love and loss timely and relatable?
Yes, the film's themes of love and loss are timely and relatable, but the execution feels shallow and lacking in depth.
Is the dialogue clunky and unnatural?
Yes, the dialogue is clunky and unnatural, with characters speaking in ways that feel forced.
Is the film's reliance on tropes and cliches frustrating?
Yes, the film's reliance on tropes and cliches is frustrating, especially in the romance department.
check_circlePros
- •The visuals are absolutely stunning, with each scene looking like a work of art.
- •The cinematography is top-notch, with a keen eye for detail.
- •The score is catchy and memorable, adding to the film's overall atmosphere.
- •The film's use of color is impressive, with a consistent and cohesive palette.
- •The production design is sleek and modern, adding to the film's visual appeal.
- •The film's themes of love and loss are timely and relatable.
cancelCons
- •The story is paper-thin, with underdeveloped characters and a predictable plot.
- •The pacing is slow, with long stretches of boring dialogue.
- •The characters lack depth and nuance, making it hard to become invested in their stories.
- •The film's reliance on tropes and cliches is frustrating, especially in the romance department.
- •The dialogue is clunky and unnatural, with characters speaking in ways that feel forced.
- •The film's themes are timely, but the execution feels shallow and lacking in depth.
