Julian & Julie

Authors: Masnoraffis Masdil
Location: Singapore

“Julian & Julie”

Directed by Michael Mann
Written by Eric Roth & Michael Mann
Original Score by Gustavo Santaolalla

Principal Cast:

Clive Owen (Julian)
Brittany Murphy (Julie)
Keanu Reeves (Romeo)
Benicio Del Toro (Primero)
Kristin Kreuk (Michelle)
Brad Garrett (Peter)
Justin Long (Justin)

Tagline: "When your loved one likes the one you hate, all hell breaks loose.."

Synopsis: Set against the backdrop of Goa, "Julian & Julie" is a story about energy, youth, love and the zest for life. Julian (Clive Owen), the leader of the "Eagles" gang, is constantly up in arms with the new inhabitants of Vasco town, Primero (Benicio Del Toro) and his pack of the "Vikings" gang. This enmity is further complicated when Primero's city-bred brother, Romeo (Keanu Reeves) falls in love with Julian's younger sister, Julie (Brittany Murphy). Romeo, a sensible young boy, does not agree with the mindless violence the two gangs resort to. What follows is the battle for supremacy and the fight for love.

What the press would say:

Inspired by West Side Story, the film holds your attention from the very first sequence. The enmity between the two gangs is established at the very outset and the execution of these scenes proves director Michael Mann's command over the medium. The first half is exciting, it is laced with tense, humorous and sensitive moments, all handled with finesse that most gang-war films lack. The interval point is among the highlights of the film. The fight-to-finish battle for supremacy and Brittany getting unconscious when Clive tries to throttle Keanu is remarkbly shot.

Michael Mann's execution of sequences is remarkable. Notice the tense moments between Clive & Benicio or the light scenes involving Brittany & Keanu or the fight towards the pre-climax when Clive shoots Benicio, you have to accept the fact that the director knows his job well.

Clive Owen excels as Julian. He looks the character and performs it with utmost sincerity. This is undoubtedly one of the best performances of his career. Brittany Murphy looks stunning and delivers a great performance too. Benicio Del Toro is totally under control and plays his part to perfection, matching Clive Owen at every step. Keanu Reeves is first-rate too. He looks the character, which was so important, and his performance is sure to be appreciated.

On the whole, "Julian & Julie" is a well-made film with great performances and a hit musical score. It should do well to garner support in the upcoming awards season.

For Your Consideration

Best Picture
Best Director: Michael Mann
Best Screenplay: Eric Roth & Michael Mann
Best Original Score: Gustavo Santaolalla
Best Actor: Clive Owen
Best Actress: Brittany Murphy
Best Supporting Actor: Keanu Reeves
Best Supporting Actor: Benicio Del Toro
Best Costume Design: Graciela Mazon
Best Editing: Paul Rubell
Best Cinematography: Dion Beebe