This film really touches me. Few films seems to be able to do that, but this one does... somehow. Why is it so special? Well, the only reason I could think of is because it is so complex. There is no one single main character, who has some problem and overcomes it at the end, like in so many movies before and after. There are several, and the issues Rumble Fish deals with are plenty.
For example: Rusty James is upset. Why? His brother, a former gang leader, has been gone for quite a while, and he tries to live his life, getting into fights every now and then, just to "be close". And that makes his life very hard and depresses him much. But that's not the only reason he's upset. There is something that torments him, something that won't let go and leave him alone, and it's not his brother. But Rusty James can't quite figure out what exactly is it. During its course the film lets you find that out (if you can, that is). The thing is that the morals and ideas are so complex and plenty that it will take you several viewings to get them. It kind of reminds me of "The Secret of N.I.M.H.", something just as deep and to complex to understand after watching just once.
If there is something I like about movies is their complexity, uniqueness, style and quality. Characters have to be well-developed, not one-dimensional. There has to be pacing, rhythm, the film must have its own rules and logic that it follows. The problems have to be difficult to understand and deal with. The ideas must be interesting to discuss and to remember. Rumble FIsh has it all. It is a very deep film, certainly not shallow. There is just so much in it that makes it worth buying, even if you seen it already many times at someone else's place.
I know that the film was based on a book. I know many examples out there when the original written source was better. Well, I don't care this time, cause I don't feel like I am missing something. the film doesn't feel unfinished. It doesn't leave you wanting for more. The only thing you may want is to watch it again. Even though I DID NOT read the book, I still believe Rumble FIsh as a film can stand out on his own, a masterpiece to say one word.
Oh, and just to add: the musical score by Stewart Copeland rocks. It just does. If you can find it, buy it - it's a treasure!
For example: Rusty James is upset. Why? His brother, a former gang leader, has been gone for quite a while, and he tries to live his life, getting into fights every now and then, just to "be close". And that makes his life very hard and depresses him much. But that's not the only reason he's upset. There is something that torments him, something that won't let go and leave him alone, and it's not his brother. But Rusty James can't quite figure out what exactly is it. During its course the film lets you find that out (if you can, that is). The thing is that the morals and ideas are so complex and plenty that it will take you several viewings to get them. It kind of reminds me of "The Secret of N.I.M.H.", something just as deep and to complex to understand after watching just once.
If there is something I like about movies is their complexity, uniqueness, style and quality. Characters have to be well-developed, not one-dimensional. There has to be pacing, rhythm, the film must have its own rules and logic that it follows. The problems have to be difficult to understand and deal with. The ideas must be interesting to discuss and to remember. Rumble FIsh has it all. It is a very deep film, certainly not shallow. There is just so much in it that makes it worth buying, even if you seen it already many times at someone else's place.
I know that the film was based on a book. I know many examples out there when the original written source was better. Well, I don't care this time, cause I don't feel like I am missing something. the film doesn't feel unfinished. It doesn't leave you wanting for more. The only thing you may want is to watch it again. Even though I DID NOT read the book, I still believe Rumble FIsh as a film can stand out on his own, a masterpiece to say one word.
Oh, and just to add: the musical score by Stewart Copeland rocks. It just does. If you can find it, buy it - it's a treasure!