I call this a semi-dystopian film because overall the world doesn't seem to be any worse than it is today but for the fact that many people make the choice to live, in exchange for constant debt and fear. Artificial organs have progressed to a point where not only can they replace any part of a person's body, they can actually enhance it. Anyone at all can purchase these organs to save, extend, or enhance their life. They're incredibly expensive, but no worries - you can always use a flexible installment plan. The catch is, if you fall behind on payments, The Union reclaims their property, almost certainly leaving you dead, or at least mutilated. That's where Remy (Law) and Jake (Whitaker) come in. They are company repo men, searching out those who are behind on their bills and reclaiming company property. All is going more or less fine until an accident has Remy in a coma and in need of a new heart. Waking up in the other side's shoes, he has a sudden twinge of guilt and is unable to perform his normal duties. Unfortunately that means that he has no income and no way to pay off his debt. Soon he's on the run with former colleagues - including Jake - after him.
Watching the unrated version this is a lot of violence and gore, though I can't imagine the theatrical release was much less visually stimulating. This is a movie about people ripping out other people's organs, essentially. It is nearly non-stop action once it gets going and has some fantastic knife fights that had me wanting to see Jude Law take on Christian Bale's character in Equilibrium. There is also an obvious homage to Oldboy (one of the most disturbing films I've ever seen, but well crafted) that works quite well. All of the fights were refreshingly choreographed, in a realistic way, rather than relying on the hand held, quick cut action sequences that have especially over run the action genre since Batman Begins.
The story, too, is engaging. The characters are unique and well played. It's an interesting story that never fails to keep my attention. There are a few holes to the story - like why don't company men get a free heart when injured on a job? - but overall it works. The movie has a certain feel to it that is maintained throughout. It feels very much like Minority Report mashed up with The Island with a little bit of Grindhouse styling.
How you feel about this movie is largely dependent on how you feel about the ending. It seems the ending has polarized most viewers and critics with some saying that the ending either saved a bad movie or ruined a good one. Personally I think the ending worked and served to strengthen a film that started to get a little weak in places in the second half. But don't take my word for it - Repo Men is worth making up your own mind about.
**** (4/5 stars)
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