Director Luis Prieto's English-language remake of
Pusher screened at the 65th
Edinburgh International Film Festival (EIFF) earlier this year. Although Nicholas Winding Refn, who received a lot of well-deserved attention last year for
Drive, directed the original, reviews from EIFF indicate that the remake is every bit as great and perhaps better.
Writing for
Movie Muser, Andrew Marshall says, "Few remakes stand up to comparison to their source, but happily this is in the minority of exceptions. That the film can make you care about a criminal whose career is pretty much unjustifiable is the mark of highly skilled storytelling."
He brings attention to Richard Coyle's role as the lead character Frank: "If there is anyone for whom Richard Coyle still remains ‘Jeff from Coupling',
Pusher will drastically alter their perceptions."
On
The People's Movies, Andrew McArthur also commends Coyle's "solid lead performance" and calls supporting actress Agyness Deyn's performance as Flo, "equally flawless."
McArthur states that even the traditional crime genre elements "feel utterly fresh and skilfully handled in
Pusher, thanks to Prieto’s energy as a storyteller" and furthermore, that Prieto"has presented us with a gripping, adrenaline fuelled ride, which is by far one of the most exciting British crime thrillers in recent years."
5 Word Movie Reviews has more raves: "The performances brought out by director Luis Prieto (in his first English-language feature) are stunning across the board." The review also praises Director of Photography Simon Dennis, saying his "cinematography is devastatingly effective."
Be sure and catch one of the screenings of
Pusher at the
Toronto International Film Festival.
PUSHER Screening Times:
Fri., Sept. 7, BLOOR HOT DOCS CINEMA 9:00PM
Sun., Sept. 9th, CINEPLEX YONGE & DUNDAS 10 12:00PM
