Boarding Gate Movie
Storyline
TAGLINES
She's losing control again
An Italian woman who lives in London has a passionate affair with a former financial big gun. She also had a second lover, a contract killer who has to kill the big gun. Her second lover's wife is behind the scenes, pulling the strings.
| Asia Argento | Sandra |
| Michael Madsen | Miles Rennberg |
| Kelly Lin | Sue Wang |
| Carl Ng | Lester Wang |
| Kim Gordon | Kay |
| Alex Descas | Andrew |
| Joana Preiss | Lisa |
| Raymond Tsang | Abacus Boss |
| Jim Ping Hei | Abacus Worker #1 |
| Kim Lee Wing | Abacus Worker #2 |
| Ricky Wong | Abacus Worker #3 |
| Boss Mok | Mr. Ho |
| Régis Vidal | DJ at Vega |
| François-Renaud Labarthe | Night Watchman |
| Mustapha Abdellah | Security Guard |
| Olivier Assayas |
5.70 out of 10 (523 votes)
Visitor Reviews
Not For The Average Joe
posted on 27 Jun 2009If you're an average guy like me and enjoy good acting, good plot, good scripts, novel ideas, or being entertained, you might want to skip this one. I was honestly bored from the opening credits to the very end, but tried to give the film a chance, and watched it all the way through -- only to be disappointed at every turn.The acting was unbelievably sub par, but I'm not sure if the actors themselves are to blame or if it was the ridiculously wooden and horrible dialog coupled with an even worse script. The plot is very vague and underdeveloped and I think the audience is supposed to derive some kind of deeper meaning from it, or be able to look past it in some way, but honestly to do so would be a waste of time.The film has a kind of crude sexuality to it which doesn't serve any purpose other than to show off some tattoos and lingerie. No one seems to have any motivation except making money off of some kind of "investment" deal that is never really explained. The connections between the characters aren't terribly clear, and there is little to no character development.This is either some kind of sub-culture film meant for a very specific audience to enjoy or absolute crap, but you can decide for yourselves.I gave it a 2 because it is definitely one of the worst films I've ever seen, but probably not THE worst.
Asia Argento, brilliant
posted on 23 Jun 2009The credit for my enjoyment of this film could possibly be entirely due to the brilliant performance of the leading actress Asia Argento. She gave an honest, artistic and daring performance throughout and should be tremendously applauded. The supporting cast was also well chosen making "Boarding Gate" a well rounded very entertaining film.I found "Boarding Gate" to be a refreshing break from the mundane collection of modern films out there. This story of crazy love and relationships takes you to beautiful places and leaves you thinking. I recommend this film to any movie lover who is looking for a new favorite!
Asia Argento is all you need to know
posted on 15 Jun 2009If it weren't for the smoldering performance of Asia Argento, and I'm not talking about the parts where you get to see her tattoos, I would admit defeat and zero this one out. I don't know why the film is called Boarding Gate; the plot is thin and confusing; Michael Madsen can whisper and grunt all he wants and nobody is going to mistake it for good dramatic acting; the film seems to meander along in prologue mode for about forty-five minutes and then, BANG! somebody dies with great surprise; despite the fact that the location moves to a new country, the film doesn't seem to go anywhere; and not understanding the story won't prevent me from saying with confidence that the ending is lame.Ms. Argento doesn't need to act. She lives the role of Sandra, relying on her naturally scary-cool charisma and complex heart to suck us in to her character—the script isn't going to do it. She's transcendentally tough and vulnerable at the same time. From one moment to the next she is spitting razor sharp barbs and then crying but never weeping, never weak. The incomplete script works to her advantage here. It's not clear why she is attracted so deeply to either of her love interests with the net result that she appears twisted, courting danger and abuse to feel alive.Contrary to what the movie posters might lead one to believe, Argento doesn't parade around the entire film in her underwear. There's one quick shot of her being thrown to a bed by her lover where upon she delivers the most authentic and erotic response I've seen in a movie, and there's an extended scene in Madsen's apartment where she's in and out of her dress a couple times. The latter is the best scene in the film, not for its limited display of flesh but for the warped cruelty in their battle of wits—mirrored in stop/start kinky sex they never manage to get very far along with for one reason or another.Boarding Gate is billed as a thriller and, given its writer/director's resumé, is supposedly about how selfishly cruel and inhuman the world of contemporary multi-national capitalists can be. Blah blah blah. Who's arguing that point? What emerges from the film is a portrait of a modern day neo-femme-fatale who doesn't dress nice or comb her hair trying to juggle a couple of corporate wackbirds (I stole that word from somebody) to her meager advantage and gets a lesson in betrayal along the way. The action parts of the film, the parts where people run around and shoot guns and stuff, aren't interesting at all. The thriller parts, the parts where mystery and suspense are supposed to propel the film, aren't articulated very well. It's the parts where the players settle down to talking smack on one another to gain psychological advantage that are red hot brutal good. If you are a fan of Asia Argento and like your eroticism dark and implied, or are interested in finding out what Argento is capable of as an actress, then check out Boarding Gate. If you are looking for a good thriller, or a film with a little action and good production values, look somewhere else.
Slow, kinky, ambitious, pretentious, offbeat....
posted on 18 May 2009....are some of the words I would use to describe "Boarding Gate". It's a mix of different genres (drama, action, travelogue), languages (English, Chinese, French), ethnic backgrounds (the three main leads are a European, an American and an Asian). It's not a "Girls-With-Guns" film or a study in madness, despite what the cover or the tagline ("She's losing control again") seem to indicate. Asia Argento is raw and uninhibited as usual, and, like her or not, you've gotta hand it to her: there aren't many actresses out there who would tackle on the role she has here. But while it is refreshing to see a movie where you don't know how everything will turn out within the first 10 minutes, there doesn't seem to be much of a point to this whole exercise, apart maybe from "becoming an amateur contract killer is not such a good idea". Is it worth watching? I can't quite make up my mind about that, so I'll give it ** out of 4 stars.
Rock chick of the century
posted on 14 Apr 2009Michael Madsen is great in the part of Miles, a mover and shaker with a soft spot for hard-bodied beauties. Also, there's a Chinese guy (Carl Ng) who looks like an Asian edition of Edward Norton. Neither of which is the point. The point is the crazy Italian girl (Sandra, played by Asia Argento), and what she endures at the hands of the Golden Eagle corporation and its evil minions. Not that she's an angel herself. More than anything, she's a broken girl, not unlike Luc Besson's "Nikita". Sandra's half-hour kitchen scene is nothing short of a revelation. It starts with a shared cigarette and ends with a mess much bigger than dirty dishes and broken plates. It's the kind of mess that won't go away. So Sandra does. To Hong Kong, only to find Miles was the lesser evil after all. Asia Argento is obviously a serious person, not spoiled by random relativism like the rest of us. She throws herself into every scene, be it commonplace or spectacular, with the single-mindedness of a Zen master and the intensity of a maniac. Would I care though if she wasn't so hot? Not likely. I am what I am.
improves as it goes along
posted on 10 Apr 2009"Boarding Gate" is an initially verbose French crime drama that, for the first half at least, threatens to talk itself and us to a standstill. Luckily, at about the midway point, the pacing picks up considerably and it turns into a stylish, gripping thriller.The film chronicles the stormy relationship between an unscrupulous businessman and the ex-mistress he routinely pimps out to his clients. However, it's only after she's lured into committing murder and forced to go on the lam to Hong Kong that the movie becomes an intriguing, multi-layered look at infidelity and betrayal.Italian actress Asia Argento, who's a dead-ringer for Uma Thurman, commands the screen with her pouting eroticism and natural charisma, and she gets strong support from Michael Madsen and Carl Ng as the two main men in her life, as well as from Kelly Lin as a romantic rival who reluctantly helps Argento out in the end. The direction by Olivier Assayas - in the second half at least - is crisp, focused and exciting, and the visuals alone are enough to compensate for some of the gaping holes in the storyline.One caveat, however: while technically a French movie, most of the dialogue is actually in English. However, there are times when the movie unaccountably lapses into un-subtitled French and Chinese, leaving the audience in the dark as to a few, possibly crucial, details in the story - proving yet again that a picture is not necessarily always worth a thousand words.
wachted it, loved it
posted on 27 Mar 2009I knew nothing about this movie when I watched it. I had read some good reviews and thought -what the heck?-. The main character Asia Argenta was really captivating. She plays a woman who has basically lost it. She's in a really weird relationship that causes her to make a lot of really weird decisions. The characters travel a lot, bringing you to many of beautiful places while watching the movie. I also thought that the overall "look" of the movie. It just had really cool lighting or something and made it really interesting to simply look at. I recommend you see it, not only do I think you will really enjoy it, but it will give you tons to talk about afterwards.
Good Show
posted on 07 Feb 2009Kudos to the makers and all involved in the making of this film. I enjoyed the atypical way the story was told. The leading lady, Asia Argento, has a few too many lovers and is tangled up in her own mess. All the while one of her lover's wives is playing the game behind the scenes making things very suspenseful and interesting. The film itself I could categorize as "artsy" even though it's a thriller.I don't recommend this film for the uptight viewer, but those with open minds will enjoy it. Through and through a good show! The DVD is out on June 10th I believe so those of you who missed it in the theaters can pick it up soon!
She's impressive
posted on 05 Feb 2009Asia Argento delivered such a powerful brave performance in "Boarding Gate". I had never heard of her before this film, and I am blown away her her beauty and talent! This was a very good film, great story line, great performances by the other actors and could've been very good with out Asia, but the two combined really makes something powerful and brilliant to watch.I HIGHLY recommend seeing this movie. It's kinda twisted, OK, more than kinda! And is one of those films that you can't stop thinking about days after seeing it.Not for kids, but men, women, young and old will enjoy
A Mess
posted on 15 Dec 2008The story is disjointed and poorly written. We are given threads and a possible hook in act one, only to see it vanish. Had the writer bothered reading his work carefully, it wold have been apparent that Madsden's character's initial problem and meeting with the 'bad' girl suggests that there will be a troubled alliance between them as they try to solve his problem.The problem goes nowhere. The relationship goes nowhere. And there is no sexual tension in any of the relationships. No-one digs anyone and no-one is appealing. The writing and directing is laughable. You can feel someone struggling with the mess and shifting the story focus about trying to extract some excitement. There is none. The writer/director is simply a beginner whose muddled efforts somehow became a movie. From simple errors such as '...they took polaroids...' - in Japan in 2007 ? to insulting errors such as nudity for eroticism, this movie is an insult. You cannot make them much worse.And by plastering 'Madsden' on the talent list, the producers thought they'd have some success. He is hardly acting. Asia certainly is... and the result is some heroin-chic panto.Give it a big miss.
Director Olivier Assayas constructs a complicated tale that leaves his actors completely adrift
posted on 27 Aug 2008Olivier Assayas' film stars Asia Argento as a woman who had a relationship with Michael Madsen. Madsen is a business man who's in financial trouble. In desperation he is going to sell his share of a business to a company called Golden Eagle, a company from the Far East. As Madsen begins his moves away from his company Asia Argento returns to his life. The pair had a torrid love affair that included her doing business favors for Madsen (with said Golden Eagle). Once Argento enters the film the film follows her as we see the tangled web she's woven and how the complications spin dangerously and violently out of control.I'm not a fan. Actually I was quite bored as the film seems to go from pillar to post for much of the first hour during which I kept wondering what the point was other than to provide a meaty role for Argento. Argento, daughter of director Dario Argento and a director in her own right, is a unique actress. At times stunningly good, she is more often then not going to give you a quirky off beat portrayal of a damaged human being. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't. I don't think it completely works here mostly because the script is too "complicated" to support it. I didn't care what was going on so her wounded girl just rubbed me the wrong way(she seemed more nut job than anything else). I'm not blaming the actors but writer/director Assayas who has once again constructed a complicated tale with the sort of parts actors love to tackle, but which leave audiences scratching their heads because they they don't really work. If you must try it on cable
twisted!
posted on 19 Aug 2008Pretty cool movie if your into twisted love stories/suspense. I wasn't sure what to expect from this one because I hadn't heard much about it in the media. When it came recommended by a friend I went and saw it, and man am I pleased I did! It has a crazy plot with lots of fun and shocking twists. The characters are beyond interesting and keep you on your toes. If any one has a love life like this, holy moly! Defiantly made for the big screen, not real life! I don't want to live it, but I loved to watch it! The movie itself was very esthetically pleasing as well, taking you around to beautiful places and showcasing some awesome scenery. Just as this film was recommended to me, I am recommending it to you! Enjoy!
tiresome
posted on 01 Aug 2008Tired, garbled dreck. The chemistry between Argento and Madsen was as exciting as a wet doughnut. Their dialogue was dramatically uninteresting. The storyline was a mess. The acting forced. The cinematography lingered on the uninspired. Lazy and pointless. Kim Gordon and her character had no reason to be there. Nor did anyone else for that matter. I couldn't have given two farts for any of the 'characters'. Their emotions skipped and jumped like a junkie who hates his heroin. Empty and dull. Why do I have to write ten lines of text on here to make my point? I think I summed it up in the first three words. But, obviously it's not enough. I think this is the last time I'll bother to waste my time critiquing a film. Anyway, I saw 'Clean' and thought that was quite ineffectual as well. Again, I cared not for the characters, whether they lived or died.
different, in a good way
posted on 30 Jul 2008I found this movie to be quite refreshing. I am so sick of the ho-hum cookie cutter movies out there right now. This one breaks the mold and stands out as great! The lead character is nuts, but gorgeous and carries the film really well. Great casting decision with her. She brings energy and boldness to the screen, I was very impressed. This movie is one for everyone in my opinion, it appeals to all movie tastes with action, drama, romance and suspense. Also appealing to the travel enthusiast, as they take you to many beautiful places throughout the world. If you couldn't catch this one in the theater, I suggest you add it to your DVD shelf! Very cool film all around!
Awesome European movie!!
posted on 08 Jun 2008i loved the vibe and mood of this movie....the first 45 minutes of the movie seemed too modern-American-drama-like, with no sex scenes and just a couple apparent bigwigs talking about their business problems, with a little relationship stuff mixed in...mostly dialog and I was getting real disappointed and wanted to leave...but after the first shooting, it got REAL good, it reminded me of 70s and 80s cop shows but at a faster pace, with cool transitions between scenes and cool chasing, without the real-life aspect of American drama...also there were enough scenes with Asia naked or in her underwear to keep me happy, she was hot!!...the acting was very cool, the characters were movie-like, and I loved the chasing among different countries, it made for good suspense and good fantasy for traveling abroad...i give this a 10 out of 10!!!...see this movie!...once again, a European film rules over American film!!!
I was here for Asia
posted on 01 May 2008This film will not be to everyone's tastes. It is a tale of corporate intrigue and, frankly, even I was bored at time with the pace.But, I have to remember that I was here for Asia Argento. Yes, she has a body to die for, and she is definitely on my top ten list of babes with guns. She gets caught up in corporate shenanigans between two lovers (Michael Madsen and Carl Ng). One is trying to unload his shares, and the other is trying to make a lot of money.People die, there are some kinky sex scenes, and there is Asia doing an incredibly good job of trying to get through everything and stay alive.You never really know whether she will make it, and you are not sure why she does what she does at the end. Love is stringer than hate? Maybe.You just have to love that bod!
Worst film ever seen...
posted on 17 Feb 2008The trailer is so deceiving... I thought this will be a good film... What was the point in bringing the women in Hong Kong for being killed? They could have done it in Paris. And the fist half hour:-You love me!-No I don't! -You love me!-No I don't! -You love me!-No I don't!Repeat for 100 times... then... Well I don't love you... So i shoot you! :D So here is the reason why movie piracy is a good thing! Imagine if I would have even give money for this torture! I'm sorry for the time I lost watching it... the film makers should pay me for the inconvenience... Worst film ever seen...
I'd Like an hour and a half of my life back
posted on 04 Jan 2008A quick resumé: Almost nonexistent, badly chosen musical soundtrack, steady-cam filming done without the steady but with lots of coffee and a hyperactive cameraman, NO plot, and nothing ever really happens. The film goes from one dialog into another, sounding hollow, never achieving depth, never creating the illusion that you really are inside a cobweb of conspiracy, and the everybody-has-an-affair-with-everybody is just a boring excuse to show the main actress in nice underwear. (which, combined with her rusty voice certainly is nice, but nothing to base a movie on) The high point for me is the opening scene, and the film just degraded from there to a point where I just wanted to quit the film about 45 minutes into the story. I regret sitting it out.
seems realistic but not quiet if leaving emotional impact aside...
posted on 31 Dec 2007Asia Argento looks great indeed but, i would not call her a "talented" actress here as more as a feminist pervert(coming to this, another reviewermade me laugh with his views on what talent is... he must have hadclearly became horny after watching the soft BSD porn scenes).Michael Madsen is very much himself here and a character interesting to watch...now the subject manner is somehow quiet similar to ".45" while not taking it to the extremes. starts as a thriller, then it evolves into a feminist rant(regardless if one considers it right or wrong) but, towards the end evolves into something else...likely that is why this feature got quiet a lower rating then i would have expected. i am assuming that the last 1/3 of the movie seems to be a...different movie in itself.regardless there ARE a few original scenes (both soft-porn as much as artistic ones) that do captivate a viewer.obviously, i would recommend this ONLY for mature audiences and depending where anyone's sexual orientation lies.i am also going to venture into guessing that there will be a sequence to this feature as well.
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Asia's Tectonics
posted on 05 Jul 2009Two things are interesting about the film.The first and most discussed is the actress, Asia Argento. She and Beatrice Dalle are similar I think. They both have the quality of fearless commitment - like Emily Watson in "Breaking the Waves" and never afterward. They both have fumbled around facial features. They both are known as sexy — only because of nudity and the roles.But more fundamental to me is that they both know things. I believe that an artist has to both have talent and be truly an interesting person; they have to know things we do not. Asia does. In fact, you can see it even in her first movie just as she is hitting puberty. This woman shows us a character that has qualities that this woman understands. Streep has talent but no knowledge. Asia has less talent but she matters. This is one of her best. Don't miss it. Don't miss how she breathes. The nudity and story is nothing compared the grace of her visible breathing.Here, she plays a woman who does what we all do: make compromises for companionship which if it has what we want we call love. The missing bits always catch up with us and with her the writer maps these pretty deftly into components of a thriller.The structure of that thriller is the second notable bit. Of all genres, the thriller is most plastic. Allowing many flows so long as tension and guns are involved.The story here sneaks up on you. Almost nothing is predictable. It starts slowly, and then bam. It goes off in an unexpected direction. The interesting narrative device here is that we follow her and discover things as she does. But she knows things, many things, that we do not. She does get surprised as we do, but not always so. At the end, she is allowed to write the future, for her lover at any rate.My guess is that if she had never gotten and displayed that labial tattoo, she would have been taken more seriously. And we would be better off cinematically.This is a good one. Angelic.Ted's Evaluation -- 3 of 3: Worth watching.