The Bottom Line
"25th Hour" is one of Spike Lee's most emotionally powerful films. It's a flawed masterpiece, but when I see movies like this, it reminds me of cinema's power as an art form.
Pros
- One of Spike Lee's best films
- Compelling performances by ensemble cast
- Captures atmosphere of post-9/11 New York
Cons
- Non-Hollywood narrative structure (could be a pro)
- Theatrical sensibility (could be a pro)
- Might be too talky for some
Description
- DVD containing movie "25th Hour" based on novel by David Benioff
- Movie directed by Spike Lee
- Stars Edward Norton, Barry Pepper, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Brian Cox, Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin
- DVD contains one commentary track by director, another by novelist-screenwriter
- DVD contains deleted scenes, a featurette on Spike Lee, and a Ground Zero tribute
- Excellent picture quality
- Excellent sound quality
- DVD release date: May 20, 2003
Guide Review - "25th Hour" DVD
I thought this was one of Spike Lee's best and most emotionally powerful films. Brilliant direction, evocative cinematography, a somber musical score, and compelling performances by the ensemble cast combine to create a work of sheer genius that captures the atmosphere of post-9/11 New York. The film chronicles the last day of freedom of drug dealer Monty Brogan (Edward Norton) before he goes to prison for seven years. Over a 24-hour period, he spends time with his two best friends, his father, and his girlfriend, who he suspects of having turned him in. There's not much of a plot—this is more of a mood piece. "25th Hour" is a flawed masterpiece, but films like this remind me of the power that cinema can have as an art form.
