Mr. Nice reviews
Review by on 23 Sep 2010
This biopic starring Rhys Ifans (THE BOAT THAT ROCKED) tells the tale of Howard Marks, who despite his naive Welsh mining town origins rose to become one of the worlds biggest hashish smugglers with connections to terrorist and intelligence organisations across the globe.
Based on Marks' autobiography, he is without doubt a charming and engaging raconteur and his sharp wit is disarming and hilarious throughout. There are also some amusing observations of drugs’ law but on the whole the film steers clear of any serious reflections.
Director Bernard Rose gives great moments such as the pivotal shift from ‘50s post war austerity to ‘60s era of drugs and free love. The film also makes excellent use of archive footage and newsreels, cleverly inserting Ifans into real events. It's clear that close attention has been paid in order to capture the look and feel of the period.
Unfortunately, the film calls on what are the already familiar tropes of the drug trafficker biopic seen in BLOW, CARLITOS WAY and others.
There is also little conflict, few moments of tension and no real study of the morality of drug smuggling, perhaps due to the public perception of the drug in question.
This film is thoroughly entertaining and humorous, but a little predictable, and will certainly be enjoyed by all aficionados of “beneficial herbs”.
Paul Backhouse
Based on Marks' autobiography, he is without doubt a charming and engaging raconteur and his sharp wit is disarming and hilarious throughout. There are also some amusing observations of drugs’ law but on the whole the film steers clear of any serious reflections.
Director Bernard Rose gives great moments such as the pivotal shift from ‘50s post war austerity to ‘60s era of drugs and free love. The film also makes excellent use of archive footage and newsreels, cleverly inserting Ifans into real events. It's clear that close attention has been paid in order to capture the look and feel of the period.
Unfortunately, the film calls on what are the already familiar tropes of the drug trafficker biopic seen in BLOW, CARLITOS WAY and others.
There is also little conflict, few moments of tension and no real study of the morality of drug smuggling, perhaps due to the public perception of the drug in question.
This film is thoroughly entertaining and humorous, but a little predictable, and will certainly be enjoyed by all aficionados of “beneficial herbs”.
Paul Backhouse
Review by on 22 Sep 2010
Based on Howard Marks' autobiography of the same name this lively film depicts the events that led a Welsh lad into controlling ten percent of the world's hash trade.
Scripted and directed by Bernard Rose (of CANDYMAN and IMMORTAL BELOVED fame), Marks' childhood is rapidly wound forward through to his introduction to recreational drug use and then ultimately his "accidental" entrance into the global drug smuggling trade.
Our hero is charismatically portrayed by Rhys Ifans (NOTTING HILL) along with Chloё Sevigny (MELINDA AND MELINDA) as Judy. Who plays second fiddle to Marks' main occupation.
Of particular note in this film is the occasional use of stock film from the eras in which the events unfold and into which Ifans is delicately superimposed. As Marks' life develops from a mere student doper this cinematic metaphor fits nicely with his expanding involvement with global drug cartels, terrorism and inevitable legal proceedings.
This is a funny and well performed movie which will appeal to a broad range of cinema goers. One issue is that the serious aspects of criminality, terrorism and even personal danger are glossed over and even lightened. Although eventually some of the real horror does appear on the screen.
The glorification of drug-use and criminality is no doubt going to raise many eyebrows, but if nothing else it demonstrates Marks' strong belief against the prohibition of what was his main staple. The timing of this film certainly coincides with ongoing pressure on the government to reconsider legislation in this area.
Graham Hughes
Scripted and directed by Bernard Rose (of CANDYMAN and IMMORTAL BELOVED fame), Marks' childhood is rapidly wound forward through to his introduction to recreational drug use and then ultimately his "accidental" entrance into the global drug smuggling trade.
Our hero is charismatically portrayed by Rhys Ifans (NOTTING HILL) along with Chloё Sevigny (MELINDA AND MELINDA) as Judy. Who plays second fiddle to Marks' main occupation.
Of particular note in this film is the occasional use of stock film from the eras in which the events unfold and into which Ifans is delicately superimposed. As Marks' life develops from a mere student doper this cinematic metaphor fits nicely with his expanding involvement with global drug cartels, terrorism and inevitable legal proceedings.
This is a funny and well performed movie which will appeal to a broad range of cinema goers. One issue is that the serious aspects of criminality, terrorism and even personal danger are glossed over and even lightened. Although eventually some of the real horror does appear on the screen.
The glorification of drug-use and criminality is no doubt going to raise many eyebrows, but if nothing else it demonstrates Marks' strong belief against the prohibition of what was his main staple. The timing of this film certainly coincides with ongoing pressure on the government to reconsider legislation in this area.
Graham Hughes
Film details
Mr. Nice
Actor: Elsa Pataky
Director: Bernard Rose
Actor: Rhys Ifans
Actor: David Thewlis
Actor: Andrew Tiernan
Actor: Chloë Sevigny
Director: Bernard Rose
Actor: Rhys Ifans
Actor: David Thewlis
Actor: Andrew Tiernan
Actor: Chloë Sevigny
United Kingdom, 2010.
120 mins.
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