Payback

Paramount Pictures | Release Date: February 5, 1999

8.3	USER SCORE Universal acclaim based on 199 Ratings

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User Reviews

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ExcommunicadoJan 19, 2020

For the release in Australia, the U.S. tagline "Get ready to root for the bad guy" was changed to "Get ready to cheer for the bad guy" because as Mel Gibson himself pointed out, in Australia "to root" is slang for "sexual congress".

5 of 5 users found this helpful50

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KaprawiecSep 5, 2016

This is the story about manhood. Yes, Porter is mean, tough and uterly bad motherf...er. Not in a grotesque steroid Vin Diesel or Dwayne "Rock" Johnson style. You know and they know he would kick both of their buts. Its a shame, that nowadaysThis is the story about manhood. Yes, Porter is mean, tough and uterly bad motherf...er. Not in a grotesque steroid Vin Diesel or Dwayne "Rock" Johnson style. You know and they know he would kick both of their buts. Its a shame, that nowadays we have this awfull global metrosexual trend.
Oh well, back to the movie - story is nice, if not a little bit too predictable, performances are excellent, there is some dark comedy. Great noir movie, instant classic in my book.… Expand

8 of 10 users found this helpful82

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Allogism944Jan 28, 2020

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. SVal Resnick: Did you get a name?

Stegman: [finishing his drink] He said his name is Porter.

Val Resnick: Whoa, whoa, whoa, he said he was there for Porter?

Stegman: No he said he WAS Porter.

[Val sighs]

Stegman: I'm telling you I wouldn't want that guy after me neither.

Val Resnick: Who am I? A nobody?

Stegman: No.

Val Resnick: I got friends. I'll I have to do is point! I pick up the phone and he's a dead man. And this time HE STAYS DEAD… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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oustApr 26, 2021

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2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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FilipeNetoAug 24, 2021

This film reminded me a lot that ancient "noir" films, for their style and the way the characters behave. It takes place in an environment where innocence simply does not exist: everyone has a secret, a dirty business, an illegal activity,This film reminded me a lot that ancient "noir" films, for their style and the way the characters behave. It takes place in an environment where innocence simply does not exist: everyone has a secret, a dirty business, an illegal activity, they are criminals or prostitutes. Overall, it's a pretty good movie, that delivers on its promises, but that has fallen by the wayside over the years.

The script takes a while to develop, but it becomes more interesting over time: we have a professional thief, Porter, who is tricked by his fellows (his wife and a friend) after stealing some Chinese mobsters, and is left for dead while they run away with his share of the money. When he manages to recover, he decides to go all the way to get revenge and to get his money back.

Directed by Brian Helgeland, the film feels like one of those old thrillers with a likeable anti-hero who, despite being a bad guy, knows how to act with integrity and have honor. Suffice it to say that the main character only wants the money from the stolen portion and not the whole cake, or more than that, and this is offered to him on more than one occasion. The film has a very good story, somewhat slow at first but pleasant overall, and full of action and moments of ironic and intelligent humor. The pace is good, the film has energy and had a good editing.

Mel Gibson is the man of the movie. In addition to being an agreeable protagonist and having made the film at an excellent time in his acting career (still enjoying the popularity achieved with the "Lethal Weapon" films), he imbues the character with enormous charisma and charm. Next to him, we have a ruthless, tough Gregg Henry. I also liked the work of William Devane, in the role of an elegant and sophisticated mobster, and Lucy Liu, who gave life to a sarcastic dominatrix prostitute and who, quite obviously, was fun to play for this renowned actress. Unfortunately, the film's two main girls - Rosie de Bello and Deborah Unger - cannot go beyond the clichéd register of the "femme fatale" of traditional "noir" movies.

On a technical level, it's an elegant and enjoyable film. The cinematography features washed-out colors and a soft light that, personally, reminded me of the black-and-white look that is the hallmark of the "noir" genre. The atmosphere is grim, as the film moves through garages, narrow streets and marginal environments, where crime happens, to ascend to the lavish office of the mob godfather or the well-furnished mansion of a crime boss with expensive tastes. The film skillfully recreates all this through excellent sets and well-crafted costumes. There are some good quality visuals, specials and sound effects, but the film is very sparing in its use. The soundtrack, full of jazz themes, helps a lot in building the environment.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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Pluto744Jun 21, 2021

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1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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SpunkyMonkeySep 24, 2012

Never a classic, Payback is just a nice mix of black comedy and action which does it's job well. It includes certain noir elements, such as a grey layering to the visuals and horn layden soundtrack, that help make it different and refreshingNever a classic, Payback is just a nice mix of black comedy and action which does it's job well. It includes certain noir elements, such as a grey layering to the visuals and horn layden soundtrack, that help make it different and refreshing enough to stand out, and you also never know quite what to expect throughout the film either. Not one to have at the top of the viewing list, but one that's worthy of your time.… Expand

2 of 15 users found this helpful213

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Dysphoric22May 13, 2021

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0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Exemplify78May 18, 2021

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0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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Catenary44Jun 7, 2021

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