I've not seen Lock Stock or Snatch but I loved this! The main thing I love about it is that it isn't another 'British' British film, like brassed off and such it's cool stylistic, got a nice talky script and plenty of action and violence. I liked the first act because it was very cool in the way it's set up and the ending. The second part was also cool with the female assassin shooting around breaking necks and such, and all the time Palmer walking about doing his job being cool. The third act was also really cool and there we come to the end. If you don't like people getting shot all the time with blood spurting out, then maybe this tale of an assassin isn't for you but everyone else it's great and I'd recommend it. Also another good thing, the UK DVD, I've been buying these 2 for £10 DVDs and so far they are all bad transfers of films with little or no extras and bad presentation. The DVD for this movie on the other hand was quite good, very good for £5. With a pretty good wide-screen transfer, plenty of chapter stops accessable via an animated selection screen, 'The Making of The Killing Zone' 30 minute documentary & the theatrical trailer where can you go wrong with your fiver!
17 Reviews
Impressive
heedarmy23 August 2000
There have been a plethora of British gangster movies lately, mostly pretty awful, but this one is a pleasant surprise. Whilst highly derivative, of "Get Carter", "Pulp Fiction", "Reservoir Dogs" and a host of other titles, "The Killing Zone" is nevertheless executed with great panache. Made up of three inter-connected stories, the third one goes a little awry but still generates a good deal of tension. Fine music score by Guy Michelmore.
A brilliant film that´ll kill you smoothly
Sjeef5 March 2003
If you like gangster films, go watch this one! If you don´t like them... go watch this one!
This film is brilliantly slow with unexpected turns which makes it very funny. Time which a movie provides has been used very good and the characters are real. Especially the acting of the main character, Matthew Palmer is brilliant! The coolest person you´ll ever see and will never see again. If all hitmen were like him, you´d better watch it.
This film is brilliantly slow with unexpected turns which makes it very funny. Time which a movie provides has been used very good and the characters are real. Especially the acting of the main character, Matthew Palmer is brilliant! The coolest person you´ll ever see and will never see again. If all hitmen were like him, you´d better watch it.
the real thing
katanguigena30 January 2001
Stop the presses - I just saw the most awesome film! For all you film buffs out there who consider yourselves aficionados of great cult classics, remove yourselves from the hall of fame if you haven't packed your pieces and entered into The Killing Zone.
It was a Friday night like any other - having seen like every worthy cult classic at the corner video store; I was forced into the mundane void of new-release land. What is that section all about? The Million copies of `Gweneth In Love With Herself' and `I Married A Warner Brothers Executive' stranded me in a sea of schlock. I was drowning! Throw me a life-vest (preferably without Leo DiCaprio attached!) My hand stretched out towards this brightly colored indie film cover. Saved, but by no means out of danger.
Watching The Killing Zone I was immediately transported to that feeling you get when you know you are watching an underground classic for the first time. Repo Man, Blue Velvet, She's Gotta Have It. You know this one is going to stay with you and provide an endless supply of super cool tag lines to get you out of sticky situations.
`I'm not a happy-bunny.'
`You don't need a gun to sell a computer!'
And one that I'll be firing at American Express next time they call:
`Ya don't wanna vex me, ya don't wanna f**ck with me!'
This London Crime Thriller is the real thing, and makes Guy Ritchie's films look like a tourist trip around Buckingham Palace on a Double Decker Bus. If you've seen Snatch, you'll know what I mean!
With worthy performances by Padraig Casey & Nicola Stapleton, and an exceptional performance by Mark Bowden with his witty English take on The Surfer Dude icon, this film is a whomping triumph for talented newcomers. Forget Barry Sears, if you really want to be `in your zone,' get into `The Killing Zone'.
It was a Friday night like any other - having seen like every worthy cult classic at the corner video store; I was forced into the mundane void of new-release land. What is that section all about? The Million copies of `Gweneth In Love With Herself' and `I Married A Warner Brothers Executive' stranded me in a sea of schlock. I was drowning! Throw me a life-vest (preferably without Leo DiCaprio attached!) My hand stretched out towards this brightly colored indie film cover. Saved, but by no means out of danger.
Watching The Killing Zone I was immediately transported to that feeling you get when you know you are watching an underground classic for the first time. Repo Man, Blue Velvet, She's Gotta Have It. You know this one is going to stay with you and provide an endless supply of super cool tag lines to get you out of sticky situations.
`I'm not a happy-bunny.'
`You don't need a gun to sell a computer!'
And one that I'll be firing at American Express next time they call:
`Ya don't wanna vex me, ya don't wanna f**ck with me!'
This London Crime Thriller is the real thing, and makes Guy Ritchie's films look like a tourist trip around Buckingham Palace on a Double Decker Bus. If you've seen Snatch, you'll know what I mean!
With worthy performances by Padraig Casey & Nicola Stapleton, and an exceptional performance by Mark Bowden with his witty English take on The Surfer Dude icon, this film is a whomping triumph for talented newcomers. Forget Barry Sears, if you really want to be `in your zone,' get into `The Killing Zone'.
Stunningly shot on a shoestring budget
bassmansex5 March 2002
I came across The Killing Zone by chance in a video rental store in Primrose Hill, London, England. It is one of my most happiest discoveries. Intelligently written, beautifully shot, witty and well acted. This is British Film Noir at its very very best. A relatively unknown gem which has been sadly overlooked by the public due to lack of advertising. Get the DVD, it has some great special features, go on, indulge yourself. You won't be disappointed.
A major Achievement
jasonalan1514 July 2001
This low budget UK film as has made me think that maybe there is hope for Brit films after all. The Killing Zone is funny, fast and down right brilliant! From the direction to the performance you just can't fault it. What does this all mean? Just rent it out or buy it on DVD (Which is what I did) sink into your seat and just lap up what has to be said the most likeable low budget film since Lock Stock- The Killing Zone is much better!
It will blow you away!
figgis67-230 September 2000
With much reservation and thought, I decided to watch The Killing Zone after the recommendation of friends. Being able to make ones own mind up and to not be swayed by popular opinion I sat down to watch another run of the mill Brit indie gangster flick. WRONG! From an great opening title sequence which thumps of sixties vibes to a great one on one monologe and into stylish underground London you know your in for something different, something special. Ian D Diaz has crafted a wonderful piece of work,which lends its theme to such sixties films as The Ipcress Files, but with a modern day story of love and betrayal. Now and again it falls victim to over enthusiastic performances, but with a great supporting cast particularly from Mark Bowden and Nicola Stapleton the treat is watching these characters interact and play off of one another. This debut feature film script by Ian Diaz is sharp and comedic in its view of a seedy London underground life and complimenting its feel is damn fine lighting, great set design and a film score which pulls you deeper into a well paced high value looking picture. We will be seeing more of these guys, I hope.
Class, style, action and real humour.
tomfox77724 January 2001
Santa came down the chimney this year with a whole bunch of new DVD's for me to spend the cold winter nights with. Amongst them was the innocently titled `THE KILLING ZONE'. Now if your idea of holiday viewing is to curl up with your lady wife in front of `Miracle On 34th Street', then Don't Put `The Killing Zone' in your player. Do not turn up the surround sound to eleven on the dial and be sure to cover your plasma screen with a blanket. Why? -This film kicks like a mule. From the very first scene, as the assassin's first bullet rips through the chest of his victim with the sound of a tomahawk missile screeching through the streets of Baghdad, you know it's going to be a rough ride for any character who comes into contact with British hit man Palmer.
I don't know much about film - but I know what I like! This film gripped me from start to finish like no other action Brit-Flick I've seen. It isn't just another bunch of London mockney geezers who don't know one end of a shotgun from the other " 'avin a larf" like so many other British gangster films we've been offered. This film has class, style, action and real humour.
The Writer/Director (Ian David Diaz) has spliced together the best of the 1960's British action genre and sewn it all up with a whole wedge of 1990's black comedy. Throw in a taste of the `Comic-Book' underground tempered with a lavish splash of big-time Hollywood values, all put together in a bouquet of gun's, girls and good old-fashioned entertainment. I tell you this has got to be a recipe for future feature successes. The cast are cool, sharp and down right hilarious. Look out for Mark Bowden as Lance who certainly knows how to play both the comedy and drama of a scene. Padraig Casey as Palmer knows how to point a gun and kill people. Nicola Stapleton as Kerry will knock you dead if Bowden does not kill you laughing and Casey fire a bullet in your brain. Together they form the perfect combination move for the finale to this film. Three Friends One Scene No survivors? You'll have to watch it!
Meanwhile, can Santa bring me another like it next year?
I don't know much about film - but I know what I like! This film gripped me from start to finish like no other action Brit-Flick I've seen. It isn't just another bunch of London mockney geezers who don't know one end of a shotgun from the other " 'avin a larf" like so many other British gangster films we've been offered. This film has class, style, action and real humour.
The Writer/Director (Ian David Diaz) has spliced together the best of the 1960's British action genre and sewn it all up with a whole wedge of 1990's black comedy. Throw in a taste of the `Comic-Book' underground tempered with a lavish splash of big-time Hollywood values, all put together in a bouquet of gun's, girls and good old-fashioned entertainment. I tell you this has got to be a recipe for future feature successes. The cast are cool, sharp and down right hilarious. Look out for Mark Bowden as Lance who certainly knows how to play both the comedy and drama of a scene. Padraig Casey as Palmer knows how to point a gun and kill people. Nicola Stapleton as Kerry will knock you dead if Bowden does not kill you laughing and Casey fire a bullet in your brain. Together they form the perfect combination move for the finale to this film. Three Friends One Scene No survivors? You'll have to watch it!
Meanwhile, can Santa bring me another like it next year?
Great low budget film!
iddzone11 March 2001
I must say this movie is one of the best low budget UK features I've seen in a long time. I watched it on VHS and now have my own copy on DVD. The Killing Zone serves to remind us what's possible within the medium of film no matter how low budget the film is. Director Ian David Diaz's debut feature is griping and hilarious from start to finish and I can honestly say I was hooked from the off. What impresses me the most is Diaz's direction and imagination; he has an undeniable talent for bringing out the best in all his cast as well creating quirky visual characters. My only question is why was it not release in the cinemas?
A short review of THE KILLING ZONE
alan_d62-218 September 2000
If you thought 'Lock, Stock' shot itself in the foot and 'Snatch' sucked the big one, then this is the British crime thriller you should really be shelling out your five bucks for.
'The Killing Zone' is the perfect example of how a no-budget indie crime anthology should be made. It's tight, lean and the final 'third' of the trilogy is a cracker. OK, it's a slow burn for the first ten or fifteen minutes, but well worth sticking with it to get clued in on the main characters involved.
All the principal acting performances are spot on - well-rounded characters and some excellent 'film' style dialogue, which makes a pleasant and unexpected change from the usual turgid TV/theatre speak that so often pops up in British films. Melissa Simonetti and Mark Bowden stand out for special praise in this respect.
I gather this cult classic-in-the-making will be hitting the video shelves in the US at the end of Spetember. Do yourselves a favour and head for your nearest video store pronto.
Believe the hype. You won't regret it.
WHY HASN'T THIS FILM BEEN GIVEN A THEATRICAL RELEASE?!
'The Killing Zone' is the perfect example of how a no-budget indie crime anthology should be made. It's tight, lean and the final 'third' of the trilogy is a cracker. OK, it's a slow burn for the first ten or fifteen minutes, but well worth sticking with it to get clued in on the main characters involved.
All the principal acting performances are spot on - well-rounded characters and some excellent 'film' style dialogue, which makes a pleasant and unexpected change from the usual turgid TV/theatre speak that so often pops up in British films. Melissa Simonetti and Mark Bowden stand out for special praise in this respect.
I gather this cult classic-in-the-making will be hitting the video shelves in the US at the end of Spetember. Do yourselves a favour and head for your nearest video store pronto.
Believe the hype. You won't regret it.
WHY HASN'T THIS FILM BEEN GIVEN A THEATRICAL RELEASE?!
An assured and knowing debut
mwalker7812 September 2000
I'm pleased to say there are many reviews of this film circulating (Ain't it Cool included), and I haven't seen a bad one yet.
I saw The Killing Zone myself at its market screening in Cannes last year, and I'm so glad to see it's finally getting wider circulation. What stuns me is how it didn't achieve a theatrical release in the UK, while other lesser films received silver screen treatment they didn't deserve.
So what is it that makes me like this film so much?
Well firstly, it's so refreshing to see a British film which avoids grim locations and subjects. The Zone's makers have clearly set out first and foremost to create a commercial feature, to make it as slick, glossy, stylish and cool as they can. And boy, do they succeed.
The lighting, camera and sound are all engineered to give a distinctly American sheen to the clearly British Crime scene. And the music too; a real orchestral sound, built around John Barry 60s motifs by Guy Michelmore, adds depth and resonance to scenes already well written and performed, highlighting moments which twist from the painfully tense, to side-splittingly funny (though I wasn't so sure about the use of electric guitars in the second story). The writer-director, Ian David Diaz, isn't above throwing our expectations too. I won't spoil it for you, but I was pleased and surprised to be caught off guard by the odd revelation and surprise moment. You can see Diaz's influences; clearly the 60s Harry Palmer films and Tarantino (the Zone is basically three stories in one film) are guesting in his writing and direction, but Diaz makes such influences his own. An assured and knowing debut.
All the performances are top-notch, though a couple of the lesser roles come across a little shaky, and distracted a bit from the main action. The lead, Padraig Casey as Palmer, gives an un-nervingly cold face to the anti-hero assassin, so used to killing he knows little feeling himself now. An odd contrast to Palmer's buddy, Lance - played with relish by Mark Bowden. A journalist beer-guzzler writing Palmer's biography, Lance is not above a willingness to selfishly cut his losses when the going gets tough in the third story. The women shine too; Melissa Simonetti is a gleefully deranged hired gun "Woman in Black" in the second story, and Nicola Stapleton's sexy Kerry - Palmer's girl - communicates perfectly the young girl's desperate situation in the third story. Generally I'm surprised such a cast aren't seen more in the British film scene.
Above all I'm stunned at what was achieved with so little money. Check out the makers' website, where they tell you how they did it. Impressive.
Better than Lock Stock, in my opinion. And not a chirpy, cheeky cockney in sight.
I hope you're making another film soon, Mr Diaz.
I saw The Killing Zone myself at its market screening in Cannes last year, and I'm so glad to see it's finally getting wider circulation. What stuns me is how it didn't achieve a theatrical release in the UK, while other lesser films received silver screen treatment they didn't deserve.
So what is it that makes me like this film so much?
Well firstly, it's so refreshing to see a British film which avoids grim locations and subjects. The Zone's makers have clearly set out first and foremost to create a commercial feature, to make it as slick, glossy, stylish and cool as they can. And boy, do they succeed.
The lighting, camera and sound are all engineered to give a distinctly American sheen to the clearly British Crime scene. And the music too; a real orchestral sound, built around John Barry 60s motifs by Guy Michelmore, adds depth and resonance to scenes already well written and performed, highlighting moments which twist from the painfully tense, to side-splittingly funny (though I wasn't so sure about the use of electric guitars in the second story). The writer-director, Ian David Diaz, isn't above throwing our expectations too. I won't spoil it for you, but I was pleased and surprised to be caught off guard by the odd revelation and surprise moment. You can see Diaz's influences; clearly the 60s Harry Palmer films and Tarantino (the Zone is basically three stories in one film) are guesting in his writing and direction, but Diaz makes such influences his own. An assured and knowing debut.
All the performances are top-notch, though a couple of the lesser roles come across a little shaky, and distracted a bit from the main action. The lead, Padraig Casey as Palmer, gives an un-nervingly cold face to the anti-hero assassin, so used to killing he knows little feeling himself now. An odd contrast to Palmer's buddy, Lance - played with relish by Mark Bowden. A journalist beer-guzzler writing Palmer's biography, Lance is not above a willingness to selfishly cut his losses when the going gets tough in the third story. The women shine too; Melissa Simonetti is a gleefully deranged hired gun "Woman in Black" in the second story, and Nicola Stapleton's sexy Kerry - Palmer's girl - communicates perfectly the young girl's desperate situation in the third story. Generally I'm surprised such a cast aren't seen more in the British film scene.
Above all I'm stunned at what was achieved with so little money. Check out the makers' website, where they tell you how they did it. Impressive.
Better than Lock Stock, in my opinion. And not a chirpy, cheeky cockney in sight.
I hope you're making another film soon, Mr Diaz.
Not to be missed!
samfuller55511 September 2000
The Killing Zone is one of the best low budget films I've seen in a long time! I'd say it's even better than that other UK gangster flick, Lock Stock! (If I see a bleached-looking film again, I'll scream!) Why on earth didn't this film get a theatrical release, lord knows? It's totally awesome!!!!! Great writing, great lighting, cool sound effects (the sound for hero's gun is wild), and the music...that should be released by itself!
And the performances - they're the bomb! Convincing, believable, funny. Yeah! I noticed even Harry Knowles and the Ain't it Cool mob loved it - you should see their review!
I loved every moment of this picture, to the way it was directed to the way it was produced- when it comes out over here in the States I urge you - my fellow Americans - to see it. Sam Fuller.
And the performances - they're the bomb! Convincing, believable, funny. Yeah! I noticed even Harry Knowles and the Ain't it Cool mob loved it - you should see their review!
I loved every moment of this picture, to the way it was directed to the way it was produced- when it comes out over here in the States I urge you - my fellow Americans - to see it. Sam Fuller.
UK gangster movie with sharp humour
bede-313 September 2000
The killing Zone was a great film with excellent characterisation, an unusual plot line and greaat visualisation. It has irony and humour and shows what can be achieved by small independent film makers with determination and talent.
I look forward to seeing the next offering from Diaz.
I look forward to seeing the next offering from Diaz.
Well done!
pauley6328 March 2001
This is a great little film that does what it says on the box. Its low-budget but makes no excuses for it. It looks good, is well put together and the music is excellent. If there's one thing to criticise then maybe its some of the acting but that doesn't really make much difference to the overall package. This is a great video to watch with a pizza and a beer with some mates on a Friday night. That's what I did
Sheer enjoyment from this low budget gem of a movie
jasonallan007200315 December 2004
Yes I've seen The Killing Zone and it blew me away! It's Lock stock meets Get Carter!
Way better than Layer Cake (even dear old Lock stock) it's got great photography, cool acting, in parts funny and very engaging (I loved Matthew Palmer)
But what I really liked about it was the way it was directed (Fine work Mr Diaz) scenes were actually very exciting so that at times you felt concerned when certain characters were in peril. All UK thriller movies should be made this way! I can't believe I missed this movie when I was in the UK five years ago.
Anyhow, go see it you'll love it, trust me!
Way better than Layer Cake (even dear old Lock stock) it's got great photography, cool acting, in parts funny and very engaging (I loved Matthew Palmer)
But what I really liked about it was the way it was directed (Fine work Mr Diaz) scenes were actually very exciting so that at times you felt concerned when certain characters were in peril. All UK thriller movies should be made this way! I can't believe I missed this movie when I was in the UK five years ago.
Anyhow, go see it you'll love it, trust me!
One of the best low budget UK films I've seen in a long time!
johncutter00720062 March 2006
A critical sensation and a DVD hit in the US, Ian David Diaz's The Killing Zone embedded its movie-made world of talkative hard men, a mysterious company called the Syndicate and the coolest assassin ever Matthew Palmer, becoming one of the best low budget UK film I've seen in a long time. Diaz updates his UK hard-boiled crime film with twists and turns together with his nod to Tarantino the king of the hard-boiled crime movie. The film is surreal yet has a realistic atmosphere together with wittily pop-literate dialog which is engaging and some great performances from unknown actors such as Mark Bowden, the sexy Melissa Simoetti and gorgeous Nicola (UK's Eastenders) Stapleton. The direction is masterful and the photography is soooo cool! Better than Lock stock, Gangster number one, Revolver and that Layer cake this is a film you should see. If you're into finding out who's going to be the next big UK director mark my words Diaz is going to kick ass in the future. Rent out this movie!!!!
None of its many imitators has yet come close to matching Pulp Fiction's impact but let me tell you if the Zone was give a theatrical release it would. I rest my case.
Also a note: I watched Lucky Number Slevin and me thinks one of the producers or writers have seen The Killing Zone just look at the way Bruce Willis is dressed very Matthew Palmer.
None of its many imitators has yet come close to matching Pulp Fiction's impact but let me tell you if the Zone was give a theatrical release it would. I rest my case.
Also a note: I watched Lucky Number Slevin and me thinks one of the producers or writers have seen The Killing Zone just look at the way Bruce Willis is dressed very Matthew Palmer.
The Killing Zone one hell of a cool movie!
johnarkin11 April 2006
The Killing Zone is a film which concerns itself with being cleaver within its budget and it succeeds successfully. Ten years ago this film won best picture at the LA New York film festival and got a great review from Harry at ain't it cool. This film should be hailed as one of Britain's best unseen movies ever! The Killing Zone a character driven piece with a beautifully written script.
Three stories in one movie we follow an assassin on his last two jobs, I'm not going to spoil it for you by giving you the details of the plot but let me say this if you buy or rent this movie out you will not regret it! First time director Ian David Diaz has an amiable film style focusing on telling the story and getting the best out of his unknown actors. A deceptively simple but brilliant film I encourage you to rent or as I did buy this film, as I've said above you will not regret it.
Three stories in one movie we follow an assassin on his last two jobs, I'm not going to spoil it for you by giving you the details of the plot but let me say this if you buy or rent this movie out you will not regret it! First time director Ian David Diaz has an amiable film style focusing on telling the story and getting the best out of his unknown actors. A deceptively simple but brilliant film I encourage you to rent or as I did buy this film, as I've said above you will not regret it.
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