User reviews

Kevin Costner in his early days managed to convey a rawness to his characters that was seldom seen after he made "Dances with Wolves" and became a successful producer. Films such as "No Way Out" (1987), "Bull Durham" (1988) and of course "Revenge" (1990) showed him when he was trying to establish his career and you could feel the actor at work rather than the movie maker.

In "Revenge" Costner plays US Navy pilot Michael "Jay" Cochran who is retiring after 12 years in the service. He seems to have lost direction and wants to take some time out for himself. He plans first to go and see his old friend and Tennis partner Tiburon "Tibby" Mendez (Anthony Quinn) who is a powerful mob boss in Mexico. Exactly why they are friends is a little unclear but it seems that Tibby owes Jay a debt for saving his life at some point in the past. Once Jay arrives at the Mendez Hacienda he meets Miryea (Madeleine Stowe) Tibby's wife. Instantly attracted to one another and although initially fighting the chemistry between them, they begin an affair, which comes with massive consequences.

This film has elements of "The Wild Bunch" (1969) to it and the location shooting in Mexico adds so much to the atmosphere and tensity of the story. There are seamy and claustrophobic qualities to many of the situations which are enhanced beautifully by the background. The acting is nicely understated, Costner manages to display a barely restrained anger throughout the second part of the film and Anthony Quinn is convincing as the superficially charming but totally ruthless mobster. Madelaine Stowe is OK as the female lead but struggles with a Mexican accent and seems a bit uncomfortable with the innocence that her character is supposed to portray.

"Revenge" was commercially unsuccessful but is one of those movies that deserves to be seen. Costner, being an actor of limited range, was always best at these type of roles. When he behaves rather than acts, you get to see the best of him.

If I have any complaints, I believe the denouement of the story, although certainly interesting, doesn't quite fit. The build up to it promises something more of a violent showdown and the character of Jay would seem by this point to be poised to take his "revenge". Perhaps the downbeat finish was done to avoid "going Hollywood" with a big finale and as i mentioned it is certainly effective, but leaves a general feeling that there is business still to be done.

An interesting and entertaining movie that is well worth viewing.

I'd avoided this film for years, despite being a huge Costner fan, because people had described it as nearly unwatchable. On the advice of someone on the internet, I gave it a shot, and what a surprise! Although it'll never be one of my favorite films, it's certainly worthwhile, a highly engrossing (albeit graphically gory) trip through a wide and shifting range of emotions. Quinn gives his best performance since "Zorba," and Costner and Stowe are extremely good. The photography is extraordinary, and Mexican music has seldom been used so effectively. I'd recommend it to anyone with a strong stomach. The love scenes, by the way, are romantic AND sexy, a rare combination.

As spotty as Tony Scott's filmography was, it's easy to forget how good he could be. This is my first time seeing REVENGE and I must say that I was surprised by how emotionally involving and artfully directed it was, despite relying on a number of genre clichés. Kevin Costner plays Michael "Jay" Cochran, a 12-year Navy veteran who has just left the service and goes to see his friend, Tiburon Mendez (Anthony Quinn), in Mexico. While there, he ends up falling in love with Tibey's (as his friends call him) beautiful, young wife Miryea (Madeleine Stowe). When Tibey finds out about this, leaves Jay for dead and throws Miryea away in a whorehouse. The remainder of the film is Jay going back to rescue Miryea. Hopefully I haven't given too much away, but the film is 25 years old and there has to be a statute of limitations on spoilers, even if they're small. Since I liked more than I disliked, I'll just get the negative stuff out of the way first. I mentioned earlier that this film relies on genre clichés. One such example, and very key to establishing the central character relationship is the history shared by Tibey and Jay. Apparently, they were hunting buddies and Jay saved Tibey's life one time, so now Tibey is in debt to Jay. That's something that's been done to death in countless films before and since, but it wouldn't be such an issue if that wasn't the extent of it. It was just hard for me to buy that a Navy pilot would have it in so good with a Mexican power broker/kingpin. I also thought the romance that develops between Jay and Miryea was rather cliché, even if it was well-performed. And to be fair, this movie has some great performances in it. Kevin Costner was his usual likable self, and veteran actor Anthony Quinn was great as his world-weary foil. Madeleine Stowe did fine, but isn't given much to do besides be the damsel in distress once confined to the whorehouse. Now, on to the positives (the rest). This is probably one of Tony Scott's best-directed films, and came a decade or so before he started using his much ripped-off MTV shooting style. There were some really artful shots, e.g., a fire being reflected in sunglasses or beautiful shots of the Mexican terrain. Even the sex scenes were shot well. I also really liked the score, which struck a fine balance between melancholy and tension. But most of all, and despite the clichéd elements, the characters were well written and developed, and the performances really elevated the rather pulpy source material. Overall, REVENGE is an artful, occasionally thoughtful action thriller that probably deserves more attention than it got/currently gets. It might have a shaky dramatic foundation, but it's definitely worth seeing for what's built around and on top of it.

Certainly the ending of this film is extremely moving and literally takes your breath away. It leaves you with a feeling that you have probably seen something better than what you actually have. Of course Tony Scott is one of the most stylish directors about ie.- 'The Hunger'(1983) which has to be one of the most stylish films about. He's also made his fair share of blockbusters ie.-'Top Gun'(1985),'Beverly Hills Cop 2'(1987),'Days of Thunder'(1989) and more recently 'Enemy of the State'(1998)- all of which took a lot of money, the profits of the first one in particular bordering on the ridiculous. And don't forget he made the little seen(in the cinema anyway) but memorable 'True Romance'(1992). So you get the feeling that here Mr.Scot was making a picture trapped in-between both worlds- that of the blockbuster and the more personal picture. The film did only average in the box office and did not really make any kind of impact on any of the performer's careers.It is beautifully filmed with lots of trademark Scott shots ie- sun beams pouring through a drawn blind and mist covering the scenery. The violence is maybe a little too graphic. Costner goes through the motions somewhat in a character who is a mix of the roles he played in 'No Way Out'(1987) and 'The Bodyguard'(1992).He does his best acting in the final quarter of the picture where he shows well executed, muted regret and sorrow.Stowe is very attractive and impressive as Miryea who for the second half of the picture is dying slowly through a drugged daze. Anthony Quinn delivers a solid display as the larger than life Mexican gangster who after delivering his vengeance on Jay and Miryea becomes a sad, secluded old man who takes no pleasure in the measures he has taken but continues to justify them.Such a role is very undemanding for a legend like Quinn.Miguel Ferrer also has an undemanding role and John Leguziamo is impressive in an early career role as an eager but almost mute gunman who aids Costner.The plot is nothing special.The only interesting point is that Quinns character's vengeance, though excessive, is justifiable. Ultimately Jay and Miryea get their just deserts in the sense that both betrayed him through their secretive adultery which seems more born out of lust than love. The love between these two is not well enough developed to justify the beautiful ending to the film. If the couples relationship had been longer and not completely based around sex you could understand the emotion between them more.The piano track used for the two lovers is very touching and forms the perfect soundtrack for the memorable ending sequence. OVERALL- I give this picture 7/10. It is raised above average by the ending. Ultimately it is worth sitting through the picture,which is overlong, and paying attention to it just for the ending which is beautifully shot, romantic, captivating and probably one of the most heartbreakingly sad moments in film history(yes its that good). Even the most stoneyhearted will be touched.

Tony Scott loves his so-called good guys to be amoral anti-heroes. The more ruthless they are, the better (after they've taken a pounding from the bad guy first, natch). And whenever possible, he likes Mexico to be in the mix. With that set-up, I could be describing 'Man On Fire', 'True Romance', or 1990's 'Revenge'. Since he unofficially remade 'Revenge' as 'Man On Fire' earlier this year, I should just call up that review and replace Denzel Washington's name with Kevin Costner's. Even though I'm seeing them out of order, the 14-year-old flick is better. Scott even shows more grown-up sensibilities than he usually does and directs his actors through believable love scenes. I don't think he's been so unabashedly romantic since this period in the early '90s.

Costner plays Jay Cochran, a cocky Navy pilot (shades of Maverick from 'Top Gun') who vacations in Mexico after retiring from the jet-set life. Playing host to the flier is a ruthless tycoon, Tibby Mendez (Anthony Quinn). The two men are old friends, despite the generation gap and the fact they have nothing in common. But just when you think Costner is going to have some fun, he has to go and fall in lust with Tibby's wife, Mireya (the heavenly Madeleine Stowe). [What beautiful kids those two actors would make.] They don't vault into bed immediately, but neither of them lets a little thing like loyalty to Tibby get in the way of their passion. When the husband finds out, Jay is severely beaten and Mireya is scarred & banished to a whorehouse.

You thought revenge would be Quinn's for his cuckolding? No, vengeance is Costner's. He spends most of the second hour of this bloody picture busting up anybody who might know what happened to his lover. 'Revenge' equals serious violence, no doubt about it. It's rare that the usually heroic Costner is given the chance to ride the gruesome line between good & evil. He's probably justified, but he DID betray his friend by bedding the man's wife. You don't do that in Mexico without waking up in the afterlife, so you might say Cochran got off easy. The tender climax is a bit of surprise from the the slick Scott, giving his otherwise angry film a heart. The movie might not be much fun, but the actors are pretty good and the story is always watchable. And violent.

A story about uncontrollable passion and desire that forces two people to act upon impulses they know they should put aside but they cannot control their true feelings, and act with reckless abandon. Madelaine Stowe is the lovely lady in an unfulfilling marriage to Tibby Mendez (Anthony Quinn) that Jay, Costner's character, almost immediately falls in love with. Tibby belongs to the Mexican underworld, probably a drug king-pin, and befriends Jay who saved Tibby's life in a hunting accident. When Tibby invites Jay to spend a few weeks at his estate in Mexico, he never imagined Jay would attempt to steal his lovely young wife.

This is a solid story, with strong characters, and fine acting all around. However, understand what this film is not. This is not a 'date movie', and not a 'happy' story, but it does indeed reflect real life, and how things do not always end up rosy in the end, or the way we want them. It simply tells a good story, something many films never seem to accomplish, and we get to come along for the ride. It's racy, violent, passionate and moving all wrapped into one. I felt an understanding of the love, pain, betrayal and yes the need for revenge. It was entertaining and an epic portrayal of love and pain.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

It has been nearly ten years since I last saw Revenge but I always have this fond memory of how much it had an impact on me as it was a very courageous project for Kevin Costner at that time. It started off like this Top Gun rip off then turned into this beautiful tale of love, passion and betrayal. Never have a seen a love story with so much chemistry and have an ending which Hollywood would never dream of now compared to back then.

Kevin Costner is an air pilot leaving the Navy to visit a very old friend Anthony Quinn. I can't remember why they were both such good friends to start off with, I think it was something to do with them both being in a war together or something along those lines. In the time they have been apart Quinn has married a beautiful women played by Madeline Stowe and he takes no time in getting them both acquainted. And in no time Costner and Stowe become a little to friendly and start to fall for each other but fight their best to avoid this.

What works perfectly is how Quinn knows how beautiful his wife is and how much he really knows without saying how much Costner wants her. This adds to the tension as he always makes Costner feel uncomfortable by asking him questions about how beautiful she is. It all erupts to you know what and I think most of the end is more like a western than anything. This is what turned the film around for me as they are some truly brutal scenes in this film and that's when the story really begins and the revenge from both sides of the story begin to take turn.

By the end of the film I was just surprised at how rare a film like this was back in the day when films weren't completely apart of Hollywood and followed there own path into making a decent film which is what Revenge delivers. Anthony Quinn didn't make many more films after this so this was a rare gem as his Quinn goes and this is a movie which you wouldn't expect Costner to be taking the lead.

Fantastic

This is a movie that I always enjoy watching, no matter how many times I've seen it previously. Kevin Costner stars in what is one of his better roles as the veteran pilot J. Cochran who retires from his job in the navy and goes to Mexico to visit his old friend Tiburon "Tibey" Mendez, played excellently by Anthony Quinn in what is one of his last powerful performances. Madeleine Stowe plays Mendez' much younger wife who catches Cochran's eye from the first moment. A passionate love affair ensues, but with tragic consequences.

The theme of love, forbidden love, vs friendship/loyalty is worked out here in a striking way and it makes this a powerful and highly emotional film. Here we see the effect a betrayal can have on a man like Tiburon Mendez. Once the bridge is burned, there is no way back to his grace. Despite the fact that Cochran saved his life, he shows no mercy for him. When you break that old Mexican code, nothing else matters.

This film has a great photography with some visually stunning scenes, specially sunsets and sunrises and Costner and Stowe never looked better. That, together with the even performances and the suspenseful twists makes this a very enjoyable and for most a recommendable movie.7/10

'Revenge' has a recently retired fighter pilot (Kevin Costner) who goes to the coastal city of Puerto Vallarta, to enjoy the hospitality of an old friend he saves once his life on a hunting trip...

The possessive longtime friend has a wonderful-but-unhappy wife... Mireya (Madeleine Stowe) is an exotic young brunette, with great magnetism, who truly blew Costner's mind... Mireya embarks on a passionate affair, that naturally drives her husband 'Tibby' (Anthony Quinn) out of his mind...

Sexual tension is an integral part of Tony Scott's character's conflict... It rises off like heat emanating from the sand when the two lovers head in a jeep toward a nearby cute cabin... Costner and Stowe are attracted to one another, and naturally, the more they fight the attraction, the more they are thrown together...

Stowe's body comes alive at that brief caress, quickening her pulse, making her breath catch in anticipation... She experiences the heat in the slow slide of Costner's fingers, a passionate demand she couldn't help but respond to...

The plot is really predictable, and there's real high tension in the first part, but multiple stabbings, shootings, and beatings in the second, as the husband enters a storm of insane fury against the lovers...

'Revenge' is certainly a realm of brutality and pain, of love gone wrong and vengeance gone mad...

Costner is Jay Cochran, a freshly retired Navy jet pilot who ventures down to Mexico for a long holiday with old friend, and ruthless kingpin, Tibby Mendez (Anthony Quinn). In no time at all, Cochran becomes enamored of Tibby's gorgeous young wife, Mireya (Madeleine Stowe). Sparks fly between the two, and a steamy love affair ensues. Tibby discovers his wife's illicit activities, and moves to exact revenge for his friend's betrayal. Cochran is beaten to within an inch of his life and left for dead on the side of the road. Mireya, physically marred, is sentenced to life in a brothel to live out her days in a heroin-induced haze. Cochran survives and mounts his own campaign of vengeance.

Now in all honesty, I don't think anyone watches this movie without shaking their head at Cochran. Until he takes up arms and swears revenge, he's your basic facepalm of a character. He knows she's taken, and he knows his old amigo has a vicious temper. She's a well-kept trophy wife surrounded by gun-toting henchmen. Tibby's not going to let this go with a slap on the hand. But it's Tibby's sheer brutality that's so shocking. The film takes a sudden and savage turn when Cochran is beaten to a bloody pulp, bones crushed, consciousness fleeting. And the payback Tibby has in store for his adulterous wife is off the charts; sold into a life of prostitution in a semi-conscious state.

But the common sense of the main characters is not what's important in the long run. This film lives and breathes through the undeniable chemistry between Costner and Stowe. They really do bring 110% to their roles. Their love scenes only add to the horror we (and they) experience when they're punished. Both find genuine (albeit short-lived) happiness only to be sentenced to their respective hells.

The Director's Cut actually excises 30 minutes from the original version, and it serves to quicken the pace and add a visceral punch to an already brutal (and morbid) love story. In a time when such revised cuts are used merely as gimmicks, this film truly benefits from Scott's revisions.

7/10

Fighter pilot Michael 'Jay' Cochran (Kevin Costner) retires after 12 years in the Navy. He visits powerful Mexican businessman Tiburon 'Tibby' Mendez (Anthony Quinn). He saved Tibby's life once during a hunting trip. Tibby is reputed to be a crime boss but he dismisses that. Tibby is possessive of his young wife Miryea (Madeleine Stowe). His right hand man Cesar and Jay don't get along. Jay has an affair with Miryea and the murderous Tibby finds out.

Kevin Costner is wrong as Jay. It would work if Kevin Costner is a much darker actor. He's too much of an aw shucks guy. The man isn't an idiot or blind. He has to be self-destructive for what he does. The character may be written that way but Costner doesn't have it in him to pull it off. This is basically a bad romance novel with great people involved. The second half tries to be a hard-boiled revenge movie. The action isn't big enough. This isn't good enough.

'Revenge'(1990) Hot shot fighter pilot(Kevin Costner) leaves the service and heads to Mexico for a little fun and sun and stays at the home of an old friend, who just happens to be a ruthless drug lord (played by the legendary Anthony Quinn). Costner falls for Quinns younger, knock out wife,( the gorgeous Madeleine Stowe) and the two end up making love and that turns out to be a decision they will both regret once Quinn learns of it. Not a bad movie,Costner is wooden as always, but he and Stowe are easy to look at. However ,the pace could be better and the "revenge" part of the film is a little tough to endure. Violent film with a truly sad ending.

Being directed by Tony Scott is all I needed to know to make me want to see this film. From his other work, I couldn't wait to see this film. Near the beginning of the film I thought: "This is going to be great!", you can definitely tell in the first 5 minutes that this is the same director as "Top Gun". But, then as the story went on, it became less and less interesting.

I thought this was going to be a fun action/thriller, but I would have an extremely hard time calling this an action movie. There is VERY little action in the film, it's pretty much all about the feelings that Kevin Costner and Madeline Stowe's characters have for each other. Then the ending is just horrible! I was SO disappointed in the ending of the film.

I wouldn't recommending going out of your way to see this film, but if you have some free time, then you may want to scope it out. Anyhow, I hope you enjoy the film more than I did. Thanks for reading,

-Chris

Violence seems to be the theme in this film. Not that I'm very fond of violent films. I found this one a bit too long. Produced by it's star, Kevin Costner, not one of my favorite actors, it follows his quest, if you want to call it that, for his true love, played well by Madeleine Stowe, who, along with himself, became victims of revenge for their tryst by none other than Anthony Quinn, a masterful actor in all that he does. And that's the plot. Director Tony Scott did some fine work with this movie along with the excellent photography by Jeffrey Kimball. Many of the scenes had that smoky soft sepia tones. The morning scene in the mountains was awesome, with the fog crawling up the side of the mountain. Quinn was my favorite in this. He, was the villain, and who could blame him. A man stole his wife and had an affair. However, in his revenge upon the lovers, you never doubted his pain and remorse in what he had to do. Bravo, Anthony! Stowe played it very well with just the right amount of sadness and never over the top. You really felt her agony in the latter part of the movie as she was dying. Costner, however, just didn't grab me. I was always aware of his acting. He always has one look on his face. Like he doesn't know what's happening around him. More a role for the likes of Harrison Ford or Brendan Fraser. It was a surprise to see John Legiuzamo in a small but effective role. John, as we all know, has come far, even to appearing solo on Broadway. If you have nothing else to do, watch this movie if only for Quinn and Stowe's performances.

Not a Full Fledged Tony Scott Film as it is Presented, More or Less, in a Straight-Forward Style, Minus the Camera and Editing Shenanigans that Became the Director's Trademark. It is Still Violent and Sexy but Seems to Lack Something in the Way the Revenge Motif is Handled.

Kevin Costner is Better than Usual and is Playing a Grittier Character with Some Interest and Manages to Pull it Off. Madeleine Stowe does a Good Job with the Limited Amount of Character Development, and Anthony Quinn Exudes Enough of an Evil Underbelly to Make the Villain Dangerous and Scary.

But it All Doesn't Quite Work. However it is Worth a Watch for Costner's Against Type Portrayal, Some Nastiness, and the Usual Fondness the Director Exerts on the Look and the Cinematography. The Film is Less Satisfying than it Should be and May be a Disappointment to Some that Expect More Razz-Ma-Tazz and Fanciness.

Great film. Great story. Sleeper Tony Scott film with beautiful cinematography. If you like Costner or not, its still compelling. Great, powerful ending and truly romantic story of what love really means to a man. Great secondary characters. Anthony Quinn, Madeiline Stowe (best looking she has ever been) Miguel Ferrar, James Gammon. I saw this film when I was 21 and 15 years later, it still has a strong presence with me. The scenes between Stowe and Costner are great. The cloakroom scene is sexy and romantic and powerful- you may find yourself supplied with more inspiration next time you are with your significant other. Miguel Ferrar is strong here and gives a hint of the character work he will do in the future. James Gammon plays the usual down on his luck cowboy. John Leguizamo has a small but important part- one of his first films and Tony Scott will use him again. Costner is best when he plays Costner. It was one of the first DVDs I ever bought. I can't say enough- rent or buy this film. Its a romantic film but interesting enough for guys as well. Just be ready for your girlfriend to weep at the end.

Based on the novel by the same name, Tony Scott's 1990 box office washout 'Revenge' is one of those films, that remain bad despite having potential. It's a interesting film, that had the potential to become to a great watch! But the screenplay is so stupid at times, that you ask yourself 'Why Is It Faltering'? '

Revenge' was remade in India twice, 1 with Shahrukh Khan called 'Koyla', and recently with Hrithik Roshan called 'Kites', which also were box office disasters. This subject, which is quite interesting in my opinion, has never found acceptance. A screenplay that never got it's place!

Scott's direction is stylish, Jeffrey L. Kimball's Camera-Work is superb. In acting, Kevin Costner is excellent, it's a performance that works big time! Anthony Quinn is terrific. Madeleine Stowe is a beauty, but does not deliver. John Leguizamo is wasted.

'Revenge' ain't bad, but the result to the screenplay has been outright rejected! For me, as said, it's a One-Time Watch!

If you get the chance to see this film, make sure it's the directors cut. At a shorter running time, the story unfolds quicker, but it gets to the point, and makes for a better film. Tony Scott did a tremendous job directing, and the leading cast was great. Kevin Costner and Madeline Stowe make a great on screen couple.

The directors cut does omit much of Anthony Quinn's performance, but what's left is amazing. Miguel Ferrer co- stars as Amador, who helps Costner's Cochran character get Revenge. James Gammon also makes an appearance as a Texan who helps along the way.

Overall, it's an intense film, and a awkward love story. If you can stomach blood and gore, and like to see Kevin Costner, it's a movie for you.

I first saw the movie when I was just starting to understand the complexities of the whole storytelling process. Recently, I watched it again, and remembered much of it the same, though not as fondly as time had caused maturity in watching. But, it still was worth the time.

To begin, apart from Kevin Costner and Anthony Quinn, the rest of the cast was quite impressive. This was during Costner's run of quality movies in the last 1980s and early 1990s. His performance certainly doesn't measure up to The Untouchables, No Way Out or Dances With Wolves, but surpasses The Bodyguard and Robin Hood. Quinn is rather dynamic, and plays his part as an understated drug lord and makes every scene he is in interesting. To those established actors, Madeleine Stowe matches quiet well. This was early in her career, and probably the performance that gave her a name. She was sensual, sexy, and sophisticated, and the love scene really are steamy, in no part to the chemistry.

But what makes this movie really interesting is Tony Scott. I've always thought his style was similar to Michael Mann, yet in many aspects better. This movie was done after Top Gun, but was still early in his career. The visuals and framing were superb, and despite some of the critiques of his numerous closeups, to me it felt consistent in the intimacy he was trying to portray. (He seemed to be similar in The Last Boy Scout, though not as effective.)

Apart from Costner and Quinn, and a small appearance by Sally Kirkland (wonderful little scene) and James Gammon, this was fairly early in the careers of many of the important supporting actors. Thus, there is an inevitable weakness that appears on occasion, yet should not detract from the time taken to watch this movie.

Recommend to watch in a darker room (no/low lights) due to the dark hues Tony Scott uses on his cameras.