This is classic, well-recognized 'Gangster Film.." It's got all the violence, all the machismo, the objectification of women, and the anti hero, who could be a master of the world if he could stop being seduced by the criminals who are his best friends.
But "Wolf" is different, with it's stark, b&w photography, that makes even the ugliest violence look beautiful, and because of the unusual protagonist, Majid, who does really questionable things, and yet is still likable, because of this "nobility" that he has about him, that's hard to not resp0ect, and envy.
"Wolf" is about Arabs living inside a Netherlands ghetto neighborhood. They are dealing with the anti Arab racism around them on a daily basis; nobody treats them like they are wanted there, and they attract violence like a magnet. With little options available to them, it's only natural they resort to crime. But Majid's skill as a pro kickboxer could get him out, he realizes this when he finds that no opponent can remain standing when he is in the ring. Of course his friends are his "family," and in true gangster fashion, they have to screw it up for him. At the heart of this story, like all true gangster epics, is "Respect" and the need for it. Majid wants his girlfriend to respect him, even though he has zero respect for her. He thinks he can beat her into respecting him. Of course he has the respect of his little brother, who both idolizes and seems to fear his older brother. But what he really wants and needs, is the respect of his father, and the need for that respect, is Majid's downfall, as the film shows us, in a subtle, but powerful and solemn ending. I'm obsessed with this film, as I am with (the very similar "Only God Forgives"), and all the shrouded symbolism and moody, nightmarish atmosphere the two movies create. OGF, soaked in neon colors, and "Wolf," captured in bleak B&w photography. The protagonists are quiet and deadly, much like the heroes from the Italian Westerns of the 1970's. The actor who portrays Wolf, Marwan Kenzari, is a really fascinating actor as well. I have seen him in other movies, and he has some impressive range as an actor. He owns this film, with the blackness of his hair and eyes looking ferocious against the b&w film stock. I think this film will gather a cult following over the years. Being a Dutch film, it probably hasn't reached a large, international audience yet. Highly recommended.
But "Wolf" is different, with it's stark, b&w photography, that makes even the ugliest violence look beautiful, and because of the unusual protagonist, Majid, who does really questionable things, and yet is still likable, because of this "nobility" that he has about him, that's hard to not resp0ect, and envy.
"Wolf" is about Arabs living inside a Netherlands ghetto neighborhood. They are dealing with the anti Arab racism around them on a daily basis; nobody treats them like they are wanted there, and they attract violence like a magnet. With little options available to them, it's only natural they resort to crime. But Majid's skill as a pro kickboxer could get him out, he realizes this when he finds that no opponent can remain standing when he is in the ring. Of course his friends are his "family," and in true gangster fashion, they have to screw it up for him. At the heart of this story, like all true gangster epics, is "Respect" and the need for it. Majid wants his girlfriend to respect him, even though he has zero respect for her. He thinks he can beat her into respecting him. Of course he has the respect of his little brother, who both idolizes and seems to fear his older brother. But what he really wants and needs, is the respect of his father, and the need for that respect, is Majid's downfall, as the film shows us, in a subtle, but powerful and solemn ending. I'm obsessed with this film, as I am with (the very similar "Only God Forgives"), and all the shrouded symbolism and moody, nightmarish atmosphere the two movies create. OGF, soaked in neon colors, and "Wolf," captured in bleak B&w photography. The protagonists are quiet and deadly, much like the heroes from the Italian Westerns of the 1970's. The actor who portrays Wolf, Marwan Kenzari, is a really fascinating actor as well. I have seen him in other movies, and he has some impressive range as an actor. He owns this film, with the blackness of his hair and eyes looking ferocious against the b&w film stock. I think this film will gather a cult following over the years. Being a Dutch film, it probably hasn't reached a large, international audience yet. Highly recommended.