Director: John
Frankenheimer
Notable Cast: Robert
DeNiro, Jean Reno, Natascha McElhone, Stellan Skarsgard, Sean Bean, Skipp
Sudduth, Michael Lonsdale, Jan Triska, Jonathan Pryce
Director John Frankenheimer had a long and quite fascinating
career. While he was mostly known for his work the 60s and 70s (with credits
like The Manchurian Candidate and Birdman of Alcatraz under his belt) he
would have a variety of hits and flops throughout his lengthy filmography that
makes it one of the more interesting careers to follow. One of the gems of his
career though is the 1998 throwback espionage action thriller Ronin, featuring a substantial cast
anchored by Robert DeNiro. While it’s somewhat of a surprise that Arrow Video
chose this film for release in their catalog because of its ‘newer’ release
date, it shouldn’t be a surprise when one sees the film and the quality of its
execution to understand why it’s become a well-loved cult classic. Not only is Ronin a phenomenal flick, but it’s one
that truly does harken back to a 70s style of action film making where the tone
and the subtle feel of the film highlights its strengths. Sure, it might have
looked even better when it comes after the strange misfire that was The Island of Dr. Moreau in 1996, but
the film has remarkably held up after nearly 20 years and it deserves the
following it has garnered.