Why do I award five stars to this film? Because of what it could have been, yet wasn't. The interesting bits in my opinion, and only somebody who understands Québec French (I do) can say that, are the (I think) peeks at Montréal subcultures the director takes: ordinary building workers, young Québec working class speed freaks, and gangsters (of a type, including what is supposed to be yet another stereotype of Italian mafioso, neither very real, nor very credible). The plot is of course irrelevant, but so it is for zillions of other directors, that hardly matters. The film fails because it is a patchworks of unrelated tiles. There just is no line joining all these fragments, and the lead actor, not bad in itself, does not manage to be the joining factor. This movie therefore splinters into many shards, rather imaginative shards, but broken nonetheless. Director worth watching, as he might learn, methinks.
11 Reviews
Good but bad.
espresso11423 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I think the film was, good, but Max, I think he was mad.I can go along with his passion to save his girlfriend but it's not realistic to kidnap and take the heart of some poor bastard he knew little about. We got to know too little about Max father and who he was and what business his father had. How did he meet Morgane? Who was the advocate? I think the play between Morgane and Max was very good. It hurt when she drowned in that water. Then it looks like she was becoming brain-dead and ironically gave heart. It could be another way to do this story on. Action scenes was very good and Max performing these himself,the most scenes.The planning was bad for the heart extraction.Max should think the advocate could figure out where he took the cop.Max talking about a heart and kidnapping the cop.There was no need for high IQ to figure that out. It seemed Max acted in panic.It could have been a great movie. The film leaves a bad taste. It was such a bad ending.
unintentionally silly and not very good
dbborroughs30 April 2009
Warning: Spoilers
Ex-racer now working as a builder goes back to racing to get the quick money he needs to pay to insure is dying wife gets the heart for transplant she needs.
Serious (?) action film isn't all that good. The action is dull, the plot unreal (how long can you run around with a heart in a bag anyway before it's going to spoil or get damaged?) its one of those weird WTF films that one stumbles upon from time to time that make you wonder how people choose what to release. Why do we have this when there are so many other films we'll never see? I'm at a loss. Here the idea sounds good but the execution isn't, there is no excitement just odd plot twist on odd plot twist. I'm amazed that organ transplant groups aren't upset at how the whole process is handled (you've got to find your own?). Then again maybe thats the way its done in France, or more likely the groups are not saying anything because it would attract attention to this bad film.
I'd take a pass
Serious (?) action film isn't all that good. The action is dull, the plot unreal (how long can you run around with a heart in a bag anyway before it's going to spoil or get damaged?) its one of those weird WTF films that one stumbles upon from time to time that make you wonder how people choose what to release. Why do we have this when there are so many other films we'll never see? I'm at a loss. Here the idea sounds good but the execution isn't, there is no excitement just odd plot twist on odd plot twist. I'm amazed that organ transplant groups aren't upset at how the whole process is handled (you've got to find your own?). Then again maybe thats the way its done in France, or more likely the groups are not saying anything because it would attract attention to this bad film.
I'd take a pass
What the??? (May contain spoilers in some people's views)
marion-michel13 July 2007
Warning: Spoilers
Let me start by saying that I like a good action movie as long as it's well balanced and that the story can at least stand on it's own. Well not for this one folks. It lacks any CREDIBLE elements and if a plot could be in color this one would be gray at best...gray in an off white setting how's that. To me it's like a collage of bits and pieces of mediocre stories that were on shelves everywhere for the past few years. I have nothing against movies made in Quebec, last year I saw the movie Bon Cop, Bad cop and I really liked it. It was funny, the characters related well to each other, some parts were a bit sappy but still it was a fun movie to watch. This movie lost me in the beginning because it made NO SENSE AT ALL...none. Even the few punch lines were off. I like a movie that keeps me interested, keeps me on my toes a bit you know, but it was so predictable, dry and unoriginal...but that's just me, I have a fault, I like to be entertained.
Fast cars, hot girls, great action and good acting - what's not to like?
grandmastersik4 December 2014
A French-Canadian action film... I wasn't too hopefully going in but have learnt not to judge a film on a nation's industry, and this one was a damn good surprise!
An underground car racer meets the love of his life whilst recovering from a crash in hospital and even though she's suffering from a terminal heart disease, he won't give up on her.
That's the premise, and from that we're taken on one heck of a ride as the lead - a fantastic performer I'll have to keep an eye out for - too stubborn or perhaps stronger than most of us will ever be, does anything and everything he can to keep his true love alive.
I won't delve more into the plot, because the way the film unfolds, doing so would be to spoil it somewhat, but if you're after a film that can keep you on the edge of your seat with adrenaline rushes AND drama, you could do a hell of a lot worse than to give this little Canadian flick a viewing.
Recommended.
An underground car racer meets the love of his life whilst recovering from a crash in hospital and even though she's suffering from a terminal heart disease, he won't give up on her.
That's the premise, and from that we're taken on one heck of a ride as the lead - a fantastic performer I'll have to keep an eye out for - too stubborn or perhaps stronger than most of us will ever be, does anything and everything he can to keep his true love alive.
I won't delve more into the plot, because the way the film unfolds, doing so would be to spoil it somewhat, but if you're after a film that can keep you on the edge of your seat with adrenaline rushes AND drama, you could do a hell of a lot worse than to give this little Canadian flick a viewing.
Recommended.
The Fast & the Poutine
Maciste_Brother17 September 2009
NITRO is a French Canadian wannabe action in the FAST & FURIOUS kind that fails on all levels: action, story, acting, believability. It's one groaner after another. The story is totally silly and because the main star is about 5 feet tall, it's simply impossible to be impressed by any of the over-compensating machismo going on. The night racing scene, with the ugly woman in cut-offs, is priceless. Watching everyone act ghetto during what was supposed to be the film's highlight was truly embarrassing. The strip club scene was hot & compelling thanks to those quick edits which told us that it was supposed to be hot & compelling because the lack of acting abilities from its main star wasn't helping the director. The characters were all one dimensional and uninteresting. Only the cinematography was OK.
Seriously, this film is to be avoided at all cost.
Seriously, this film is to be avoided at all cost.
another disappointment
luclambert18 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Some might consider this a spoiler even though nothing is said about the movie so beware.
I am a Quebec resident and i'm so sick and tired of producers that think that to enjoy a movie, you should leave the theater enraged, upset and full of frustrations.
The movie had potential to be a great movie but somehow, it was all blown away at the last 10 minutes. Why? I say why do they have to do this. A movie should be enjoyable, taking you for a ride to eventually come to a climax so that when you have watched the movie, you are left in awe and good feelings.
Not this one. Just another of those producer that believe you should leave the theater upset enough that you just might hit the first person that you come across.
Throughout the years, i have seen so many movies made in Quebec that follows this line, that now, I became a bit segregationists.
I just finished watching this movie. Maybe this is why i am so very upset at the moment. Taking me for a ride and letting me down.
I will never watch another movie produce by this Alain Desrocher but one thing is sure...... I'll never forget his name
I am a Quebec resident and i'm so sick and tired of producers that think that to enjoy a movie, you should leave the theater enraged, upset and full of frustrations.
The movie had potential to be a great movie but somehow, it was all blown away at the last 10 minutes. Why? I say why do they have to do this. A movie should be enjoyable, taking you for a ride to eventually come to a climax so that when you have watched the movie, you are left in awe and good feelings.
Not this one. Just another of those producer that believe you should leave the theater upset enough that you just might hit the first person that you come across.
Throughout the years, i have seen so many movies made in Quebec that follows this line, that now, I became a bit segregationists.
I just finished watching this movie. Maybe this is why i am so very upset at the moment. Taking me for a ride and letting me down.
I will never watch another movie produce by this Alain Desrocher but one thing is sure...... I'll never forget his name
A Quebec action film
pavillon1029 June 2007
Action film is a genre rarely seen in Quebec film. Last year was for Bon Cop Bad Cop and now Nitro. A young man want's to safe the life of his wife. He has to get lost of money and a heart for a transplant. Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge is excellent and does most of his stunts. Lucie Laurier plays a woman with a attitude, don't step on her toes. Not only is she beautiful but she gives a great performance. There is lots of action in this low budget film, compare to the Die Hard series, but you'll be impress to see what they do in this picture. The story also as moments of drama and emotion. A very enjoyable film. Go see it. I think American producers would like to buy the script and do a remake. If they do , don't forget Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge, he makes this movie believable.
Great movie about human sacrifice. (Also there's a tiny bit of street racing.)
fireblazer6661 October 2009
Warning: Spoilers
This movie was great. The acting was excellent. Usually foreign films aren't that great. This was. It's about a man who sacrifices everything for the love of his life and the love of his life 10 years ago sacrifices hers to save his new loves life. Excellent film. Also about street racing. It's not like fast and furious or any of those movies. It a lot more deep into the human emotions. You get to see what a person is capable of in the most trying of situations. It's a fast paced movie, with in depth emotion, good acting and a decent plot. I can't think of a movie that's done what it has. The street racing aspect of the movie was a minor detail. The real them is about the main character giving everything so the woman he loves will live. It implies strongly that she does and also implies he goes to jail over it. The gangster he kills turns out to be a cop and you can see remorse for his actions in the sense that he was hoping to kill someone deserving to die.
very very hard stuff
pethel013 May 2009
Well sometimes people miss understand a piece of art completely. For commercial reasons this is if a product is labeled not exactly what it is really containing. Call it action and it gives you a market for example. Other example, "The Wrestler". For some folks, younger folks maybe it is an action movie defined by the fighting components. For me as an elder man this components are part of the story but not the story itself. Just decoration and necessary to tell the real story. I watched "Nitro" by coincidence. Some of this funny Canadian variations of US mentality. I thought. Let's waste some time and watch it. Tarantino is named here. I as European will never understand this director and his art as an US American understand it. For me his kind of art is not really necessary. For me "Nitro" has nothing to do with this. Like "The Pet" has nothing to do with sex, bondage, S/M or anything porn. The film smashed my easy watching attempt completely. It is a very very hard story told in a surprising way. But i could stand it, was not forced to switch off. Cause also for me it's a story about love. And it's limitations. The limitations of our human existence. Whom do we really love, other persons or ourself? What is our struggle for, to help beloved persons or to cover our needs and pain? It's a film about the absolutely tragedy of some people linked by love or what they believe love is. Without any terms of religion. A story of loosen souls shifting around in a world they can't stand. A story of how to accept what you can not accept, death. And a very sad story, stays there anything left of their love? A movie that ask questions and leave them open. A very unusually movie.
Great film
BirdmanT728 January 2009
Warning: Spoilers
I read some of the reviews here and I can't believe people bash this film for all the wrong reasons?. I mean lets say if Tarantino made the same film in Hollywood or some other action director but in the US and market the hell out of it the you people would praising it instead of taking punches at it.
This movie had more depth than most Hollywood films wish they could ever have, I wouldn't be surprised it Hollywood remake their own version of it in the next few years?.
Max is anything but perfect and the film does not make him to be this nice great guy, and that is what people seem to miss the point here, this is NOT some hero. This was guy who had no care in the world for anything other racing and having a good time until he meets "Alice" in the hospital and slowly grows up. You can see from the scenes of his past and his memory from the time they leave the hospital he realizes that being with ALice means he has to change who he is; he can't race or steal cars anymore because being with Alice is something he is never had. The scenes from his past with her and who is become in tghe present are a clear indication of it. The director was very subtle in the use of the flash backs but very effective because it is like how we reflect on some past events at times in our own lives.
The film takes many turns and it is not define itself to be a action film because right in the midst of the action there is some very intimate scenes like when he meets up with his old girl friend Moragane. I don't know how or why some people compare this film to "Fast and the Furious" but this is far above "FF" can ever live up to as far storyline goes. This actor "Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge" whom I really have never seen or familiar with his work really did a great job both the action and the very emotional scenes that made Max a human with errors, like all of us. So yes he is crazy and stupid than most of us and the film makes that clear from the very start of this film when he is racing. At one point he tells Moragane that all I care about is about saving my girl friend and I don't care what I have to go through to save her.
Max did screw up by killing the cop and again this is given to you about him as a desperate man to do anything to save his girl friend. It does not make you have any sympathy but to show Max's idea of love. The essence of this whole film is really about love, he loves Alice, Morgane loves Max; she didn't give up on him when he kept running from her. There is a great scene when he is singing to the little boy on the phone the song his mother use to sing for him, that was so unusual to see in a film packed with such intensity and these are scenes that made this film so different and so interesting.
The ending was not as predictable as most of you say it was, I thought he will deliver the heart but to my surprise his Van crashed. How could say you see that Moragane's death was predictable and her life is what saves Alice's life?.. You can see that Max is still going to jail when the cops are standing by the hospital room, so was this truly a happy predictable ending?
I don't know what is the standard these days that you people compare films to?...but each film should be judged based on its own merits and not compared or expected to live up to Hollywood films.
This movie had more depth than most Hollywood films wish they could ever have, I wouldn't be surprised it Hollywood remake their own version of it in the next few years?.
Max is anything but perfect and the film does not make him to be this nice great guy, and that is what people seem to miss the point here, this is NOT some hero. This was guy who had no care in the world for anything other racing and having a good time until he meets "Alice" in the hospital and slowly grows up. You can see from the scenes of his past and his memory from the time they leave the hospital he realizes that being with ALice means he has to change who he is; he can't race or steal cars anymore because being with Alice is something he is never had. The scenes from his past with her and who is become in tghe present are a clear indication of it. The director was very subtle in the use of the flash backs but very effective because it is like how we reflect on some past events at times in our own lives.
The film takes many turns and it is not define itself to be a action film because right in the midst of the action there is some very intimate scenes like when he meets up with his old girl friend Moragane. I don't know how or why some people compare this film to "Fast and the Furious" but this is far above "FF" can ever live up to as far storyline goes. This actor "Guillaume Lemay-Thivierge" whom I really have never seen or familiar with his work really did a great job both the action and the very emotional scenes that made Max a human with errors, like all of us. So yes he is crazy and stupid than most of us and the film makes that clear from the very start of this film when he is racing. At one point he tells Moragane that all I care about is about saving my girl friend and I don't care what I have to go through to save her.
Max did screw up by killing the cop and again this is given to you about him as a desperate man to do anything to save his girl friend. It does not make you have any sympathy but to show Max's idea of love. The essence of this whole film is really about love, he loves Alice, Morgane loves Max; she didn't give up on him when he kept running from her. There is a great scene when he is singing to the little boy on the phone the song his mother use to sing for him, that was so unusual to see in a film packed with such intensity and these are scenes that made this film so different and so interesting.
The ending was not as predictable as most of you say it was, I thought he will deliver the heart but to my surprise his Van crashed. How could say you see that Moragane's death was predictable and her life is what saves Alice's life?.. You can see that Max is still going to jail when the cops are standing by the hospital room, so was this truly a happy predictable ending?
I don't know what is the standard these days that you people compare films to?...but each film should be judged based on its own merits and not compared or expected to live up to Hollywood films.
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