Kite

Kite is a 2014 action and crime film that combines elements of film noir with a dash of sci-fi-like dystopia, directed by Ralph Ziman. The film features India Eisley, Jaco Muller, Annabel Linder along with other talented actors. Borrowing inspiration from Yasuomi Umetsu's original anime with the same name, Kite shares the same focus on intricately choreographed action sequences and in-depth character exploration, while raising thought-provoking questions on moral ambiguity and the dangerous corruptions of unchecked power.

The movie revolves around the life of a young girl named Sawa, portrayed by India Eisley. She carries the heavy burden of her tragic past, living in a world thrown into chaos after a financial collapse brought about an era ridden with crime and corruption. After her mother and father, a cop himself, are brutally murdered, Sawa is left orphaned. Vowing to exact justice and revenge, Sawa takes up arms against the human traffickers she believes are responsible for her parents' deaths.

Throughout her perilous journey, she is aided by her father's ex-partner, Karl Aker, portrayed impressively by Samuel L. Jackson. Aker, who has his own murky ties and vendettas within the criminal world, becomes a mentor figure to Sawa, providing her with the guidance and resources she needs to pursue her revenge, albeit with complex motives of his own.

Young Eisley does an excellent job depicting Sawa as a determined, ruthless, yet deeply wounded character. Her performance gives depth to the film, providing an emotional anchor amidst the flurry of action and violence. Jaco Muller and Annabel Linder each contribute to the film's complex narrative, Muller playing a twisted yet enthralling villain, while Linder provides one of the few glimpses of genuine humanity that shimmers amidst the corruption and moral collapse inherent in the movie's setting.

The film presents a futuristic world setting that is both haunting and striking. Shattered structures and shanty towns are intertwined with sleek skyscrapers and digital tech. The distinctive look of the film is a result of this stunning production design, along with intelligently used special effects and swift pacing that keeps viewers on their toes. The combination of grey bleakness with flashes of vibrant color paints a perfect portrait of a society struggling to survive tenuous circumstances.

Another key element of the movie is its sharply choreographed action sequences. The fight scenes are beautifully constructed, with Eisley executing the role of a young assassin with graceful precision. The violence, rather stylized, builds on the anime roots of the project and gives the movie a unique edge.

From an artistic point of view, Kite holds up a gritty mirror to its societal motifs. It delves into numerous social issues including crime, corruption, and the abuse of power, presenting different perspectives on these concerns through its diverse cast of characters.

Kite, however, is not for the faint of heart. It's a brutally honest depiction of a world gone rogue and its rating is a testament to the intensity of its violence and thematic material. The narrative can be dark, the violence confronting, and the themes heavy. However, it is a film that, while deeply unsettling at times, also prompts substantial discourse about its bleak depiction of dystopian society, and the individuals trying to survive within it.

Kite stands as an exploration of revenge, morality, and survival. It's a movie that results in a fantastic action film noir filled with captivating performances, stunning visual elements, and a compelling narrative. Anyone seeking a bold and visually striking movie experience filled with hard-hitting action and layered characters will find Kite an intriguing watch.