Killing Zoe [DVD]

This is a dark and gritty bank heist film, presenting a bleak look at criminal life in the 1990's. It's a well-made movie, and one that's essentially driven by the fantastic characterisation offered by Eric Stoltz - as he plays an expert American safe-cracker who's invited to France by a childhood friend. That friend has made plans to break into a bank - with the aim of stealing millions in gold. The initial half of the film focuses on these two old friends meeting-up after not having seen one another in over a decade. They embark upon a night of drink and drugs within the run-down suburbs of Paris. The latter half of the movie deals with the heist itself, which quickly descends into violence and chaos. Ultimately, this tentative friendship is shown to be less than stable.Mixed in with the main storyline is a secondary plot - involving Zoe, a student who works part-time as a bank clerk as well as a casual prostitute. Stoltz's character arranges to meet Zoe (played by the beautiful Julie Delpy) upon his arrival at a hotel suit in Paris. The two have sex, and get along well. Later it turns out that Zoe works at the back where the heist takes place ... And, in the final moments, Stoltz's character must decide between old friend or new lover.Thrown into the film, to add further texture, are plenty of hard drugs. As is the AIDS infection - which, in the midst of bloody carnage, poses a real threat. Given the way this story is told, there's very little joy here. Other than an intimate and tender moment, involving a sex scene with Zoe, this movie is nothing more than a descent into futile brutality. Yet it's a captivating experience - and, in this regard, I highly recommend it.I watched this film at the cinema over 20 years ago. It's aged well - and stands-up to present-day scrutiny. It's unfortunate that this DVD version of the film is so highly edited - with over 20 minutes of footage cut. The French edition is that much longer, featuring extended scenes about the bank robbery. Should that lengthier version be made available with an English audio (even if only subtitles) I'll certainly get it.

Nothing

Great movie. Violent, dark, funny and massively entertaining. Every character is fantastic.

Fast delivery great DVD just like the video .the subtitles are on there to on the original dvd release i England. .watched loads of times already .great acting .loved film as a kid love even more now. The ultimate edition from France has the directors cut on there but second half of film no subs as its a French release plus French spoken parts at start no subs . My comments comes under the Spanish version for some reason to. Im wondering if that version of directors cut has subs in the French speaking parts. Looking for a English directors cut version

Terrible transfer to Blu ray, and not a particularly good film anyway ,one for the charity shop .......

Barebones edition of a gloriously violent and delirious film. A measly trailer and picture gallery are included as extras. Image is better than the DVD, but don't expect to be blown away like in, say, Coppola's restoration of "Apocalypse now." The movie is fantastic, but be wary of it if you're not into tense, violent storylines.

Saw this film many years ago and it is still compelling viewing albeit occationally shocking in the thorough disregard for human life, the compulsive greed and gratuitous violence. I liked the feminist conclusion with Zoe saving the day for Eric Stoltz, the only survivors of this disasterous robbery gone wrong due to no exit strategy, oh and doing a whole load of smack the night before.

Video v. Good. Saw few years ago. Enjoyed. that's. Why I bought it. Ta.