A PRAYER FOR THE DYING (1987)
Company: Twilight Time
Starring: Christopher
Fulford, Alan Bates, Liam Neeson, Mickey Rourke, Bob Hoskins, Sammi Davis,
Alison Doody
My Review and Thoughts:
Another film I have never seen. This being the first time
seeing it was a treat. Specifically, being on this wonderful High Definition
transfer to Blu-ray. Twilight Time has created another wonderful Blu-ray and another wonderful outlet to a forgotten film. This
is a film that shockingly is good, considering it has never crossed my
path before. I always try and see films starring some of my favorite actors.
Liam Neeson and Bob Hoskins are both in this film. Two of my favorite
performers in cinema. Also starring the wonderful, often underrated Mickey
Rourke.
This is a nice slick thriller. It’s about a former IRA
member that is trying his hardest to hide or escape from his past. The film is
based on one of my favorite writer’s, the book by the same name, the one of a kind
action, spy guru of written word, Jack Higgins. Higgins creates wonderful
action packed, mystery thriller’s that always please. Many of his books have
been made into films. A Prayer for the Dying was brought to the screen and
directed by a wonderful director of cinema. A director that I feel is often overlooked, Mike Hodges. Sadly,
Hodges disagreed with the final cut of the film, and he felt it did not live up to
what he intended it to be. There are rumors that there is an uncut version, or
at least a longer version that portrays the ultimate want of the director.
Hodges directed many films but a few of them ultimately
stand out to me. First and foremost is the cult, drive-in late night classic,
1980’s Flash Gordon, the one of kind space opera. Truly a wild, funky, vibrant
trip of colors and total b-movie glory. One of my all-time favorite guilty pleasures
in cinema. Next would have to be the 1971 crime thriller classic Get Carter.
Hodges has away with creating films that linger, or become a cult following style of films.
Flash Gordon, Get Carter, and who can forget the odd ball science fiction
comedy, 1985’s Morons from Outer Space. Whatever Hodges is doing, he captures
his actors and actresses in tight moments that linger on screen, and A Prayer
for the Dying is no different.
The plot is, Martin Fallon played by Mikey Rourke and his
IRA team member Liam Docherty played by Liam Neeson, make a huge mistake. That
mistake would haunt Fallon who flees to London. There he is approached by a
local gangster to do one last job, after this job they would give him money, a passport, and safe passage to the United States. Fallon is reluctant but
decides to take the job, and so begins one ordeal after the other. Fallon is
trapped by his haunting past, and the ordeal of the present, he struggles in
what to do and in emotions. Intrigue, suspense, mystery all come together to
create a great film to remember.
As I have stated starring a wonderful cast of performers.
Besides Liam, Hoskins and Rourke there are other powerful performers that grace
this film. The amazing Alan Bates who is pure perfection in creating flawless
characters. I can’t believe he is no longer with us, he was a master talent.
Also starring the very underrated and often overlooked Christopher Fulford.
Fulford is an actor that I think is a genius in performing. I think he is one
of the greatest talents living today. He deserves all the praise.
Audio/Video:
My Rating: 5 out of 5
Looks and sounds fantastic. That is something Twilight Time
never fails in, capturing a flawless transfer and vibrant sound quality.
Imagery is perfect in high definition. A great Blu-ray to praise.
LANGUAGE: English
VIDEO: 1080p High Definition / 1.85:1
AUDIO: English 2.0 DTS-HD MA
SUBTITLES: English SDH
Extras:
My Rating: 2 out of 5
Isolated Score Track (with some effects). The man behind the
music is a genius. Composer and conductor William Bill Conti. A master at music.
A master at memorable film scores. He is one of the best. All one has to do is
look at his memorable career or catchy tunes, the Rocky soundtrack, need I say
more. Also for the James Bond classic, For Your Eyes Only. The Karate Kid. He
did the soundtrack to one of my favorite underrated films of all time the
amazing 1993 crime drama Blood In Blood Out. Conti is a master at creating
tunes and music that just remains with you all your life, I mean who doesn't know the Rocky soundtrack. After watching and
hearing his music in the films, you remember them, hummm them and just know them. This is a great special feature. Twilight Time honored
this master with this special feature.
Director Mike Hodges on A Prayer for the Dying, a nice
little interview with the director.
Director of Photography Mike Garfath on A Prayer for the
Dying, s nice little interview with the photographer.
Original Theatrical Trailer
Overall:
I really liked this movie. Seeing it for the first time was
a real treat. Seeing it on a flawless transfer and wonderful high definition Blu-ray
is all the more to praise. A fantastic choice by Twilight Time. It’s a film
that lingers and twists an emotional dilemma on past mistakes, choices and the
reality of right and wrong.
Final Verdict: In my viewpoint a must own. Another fantastic Twilight Time Blu-ray, and perfect choice.
INFO:
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