Stone keeps the multi-layered characters and their unconventional lifestyle as well as the unabashed sexuality, gallows humor and violence of Winslow's novel. But Stone doesn't know when to stop.
In Stone's version, Savages ' violence is more graphic than necessary. Violent scenes are cringe worthy and, while intellectually we know this is fake, I closed my eyes several times. Getting beyond the unnecessary violence, Savages emerges as a sophisticated thriller, nearly as bold and audacious as the novel, helped, no doubt, by the fact that Winslow co-wrote the script with Shane Salerno and Stone.
Their rock-solid friendship dates back to high school and their belief in each other has helped them build a lucrative marijuana business. Chon, an ex-Navy Seal with a violent streak, brought back from Afghanistan the strongest marijuana seeds he could find. Ben, who majored in business and botany at UC-Berkeley, took those seeds and made them even better. Chon is "cold metal," as O narrates, while Ben is "warm wood. Business is booming.
Millions are rolling in. The payroll includes computer experts, bankers, growers, distributers, and at least one shady federal agent. The threesome live in a beach-front mansion. O spends many a day at the mall's most luxurious stores. Ben channels much of his money into philantrophy, helping villages in Third World countries.
Ben wants to retire; Chon doesn't believe the cartel will let them get out of the business. Threats don't work so the cartel kidnaps O to force the business deal. Now these two successful independent entrepreneurs use their network of experts in an elaborate scheme to rescue O. Lisa Vasconcellos Art Director. Nancy Nye Set Decoration. Johnson Maclean's Magazine. View All Critic Reviews Apr 10, We've all seen our share of epic films that are based on the Italian Mafia, but few have done one that is based on the Mexican cartels.
Additionally, this story is told from the prospected of a group outside the organization, bullied into working with the cartel.
Everyone knows that their stuff is the stuff you want, including the Baja Cartel. I very much dislike Oliver Stone. His films, especially his historical ones, are filled with conspiracy theory and inaccuracies, that people take as fact, and contribute to the ignorance of society. I gave Savages a shot however, because it is based on a novel, and we all know that films that were originally books are the best.
Savages is every bit as ruthless and action packed as you'd expect it to be and beyond that it is loaded with star power. As for the story, it is what you'd come to expect from an Oliver Stone film, filled with unexpected twists and turns, but finally in a way that doesn't confuse the audience!
Typically Stone's films go over the top and back around again, until no one knows what's going on, but this time, perhaps the novels influence the story is never hard to follow, just unpredictable, which is what you want! The filmmakers also so how manage to avoid the problem of too many cooks in the kitchen, despite the enormous cast, something I very much appreciated. The bottom line, Savages isn't Goodfellas or Casino, it isn't even close, but is a rare look inside the business of the cartels.
I love how it's told from an outside perspective and that the main star power actually takes a step back for newcomers like Taylor Kitsch and Aaron Taylor-Johnson.
Some parts of this film are brutal and it is quite long, especially the unrated version, but in my opinion, well worth your time. Todd S Super Reviewer. Oct 11, Oliver Stone needs to get his mojo back. Very disappointing. Marcus W Super Reviewer. Oct 06, Twisted and suspenseful with a wicked cast.
Shawn M Super Reviewer. Mar 25, That's not to mention having sex with the beautiful Ophelia Blake Lively , just not all at once. And then Elena Sanchez Salma Hayek has to go and ruin it all by insisting on a forced merger. Which they do after planning on making a run for Indonesia. That turns out to be too late after Ophelia is kidnapped. Having few other options in making movies, it comes as no surprise that Oliver Stone wanted to scratch his pulp itch again.
Sadly, with his film "Savages," he comes up with nothing original that has not already been used in better movies. That's not to mention the bits that reek of sexism and racism. No stereotypes per se but it is hard to avoid when one ethnic group battles another. Like any person named after a Shakespeare character, Ophelia comes off as simply a spoiled brat, making us wonder why Ben and Chon would risk everything for her. Plus, all of the commentary on topics that include the war on drugs, insurgencies, capitalism and reality television feel like they were just thrown in at random.
And the ending is a case of having your pot brownies and eating them too, except ass backwards. But at least Benicio del Toro and Aaron Johnson can do little wrong, as their scene together is one of the sole highlights of this otherwise mediocrity.
Walter M Super Reviewer. See all Audience reviews. There are no approved quotes yet for this movie. Best Horror Movies. Worst Superhero Movies. Best Netflix Series and Shows. Go back. More trailers. Dexter: New Blood: Season 1. The Shrink Next Door: Season 1. No Score Yet. Yellowstone: Season 4. Blade Runner: Black Lotus: Season 1. Gentefied: Season 2. When your consent is required, you can accept, refuse or personalise your choices.
Netflix supports the Digital Advertising Alliance Principles. Learn more about our use of cookies and information. Netflix and third parties use cookies why? You can change your cookie preferences. Call Accept Reject Personalise my choices. Netflix Netflix. With the help of a shady DEA agent, two weed entrepreneurs take on a merciless cartel leader who wants in on their business and kidnaps their lover.
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