How entertaining? ★★★☆☆
Thought provoking? ★☆☆☆☆ 18 December 2011
This article is a review of LARGO WINCH: DEADLY REVENGE. |
"Yes?” Nerio Winch
“Mr Winch? Good evening.” Anonymous caller
“What do you want?” Nerio
“Don't worry. I'm not after your money anymore. I've met someone who is offering much more...” Anonymous caller
“What do you want?” Nerio
“Say goodbye. Goodbye for good, in fact.” Anonymous caller
“Exactly. Go to hell!” Nerio
“After you, Nerio.” Anonymous caller
“Mr Winch? Good evening.” Anonymous caller
“What do you want?” Nerio
“Don't worry. I'm not after your money anymore. I've met someone who is offering much more...” Anonymous caller
“What do you want?” Nerio
“Say goodbye. Goodbye for good, in fact.” Anonymous caller
“Exactly. Go to hell!” Nerio
“After you, Nerio.” Anonymous caller
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Pretty soon after that conversation billionaire Nerio Winch (Miki Manojlovic), head of Winch International, is murdered on his yacht leaving the controlling interest in the empire to his estranged adopted son Largo (Tomer Sisley). They had a falling out years before when Largo wanted to uncover his heritage. Both Nerio and Largo are of Yugoslavian extraction. Their relationship appears to have been fractious, because Largo was raised by Nerio’s friends until as a young boy Nerio took over. The father clearly loved his son, and only in his death does it appear to Largo how much this man meant to him. Or I think we are meant to assume. LARGO WINCH: DEADLY REVENGE is high on action but wanting in emotional beats. The plot is essentially a corporate conspiracy thriller with the titular protagonist hunting for the killer, while trying to fend off a hostile takeover for Winch International.
The cast is sexy and charismatic (including Mélanie Thierry and Kristin Scott Thomas), and the story globetrots from Latin America to Asia and Europe with multilingual characters giving a grander feel than might otherwise have been. The movie rollicks along, and while an opportunity to say something about corporatism was wasted, it is instead just a plain energetic thriller. The crazy editing could have been toned down but there are some nice set pieces to keep the action junkie entertained.