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Movie Reviews

Is It Any Good? Bound (1996)

Great cast and well written story.

I cannot believe it took me this long to see this superb film! I finally watched this 1990s crime thriller tonight and I’m happy to say that this is one of the best films I’ve ever seen. I got that wonderful but all too rare feeling of pure satisfaction once the credits rolled. There are two factors that led to Bound being a winner – the slick, well written script and the cast’s skilled performances. This script is able to successfully execute both a steamy rich romance and an ever suspenseful crime tale. This isn’t a film that everyone is aware of, I myself just saw it, but gosh folks need to see this because it’s truly a gem.

I always love seeing Jennifer Tilly in anything, she’s an actress that I wish got more work nowadays. Tilly plays the girlfriend of a mobster who “wants out” and she has a plan on how to do that. She plays the hell out of this part. She’s subtle, calculating, and tough when she needs to be. This is for sure one of her best performances if not her best. Gina Gershon, who I loved in Killer Joe, plays an ex con working on the apartment next door to Tilly. She and Tilly end up falling for one another and coming up with a plan on how to extract Tilly from her mobster boyfriend and get a little dough while they’re at it.

Gershon is so good here, her performance is passionate and tough. In addition to their individual performances being great, their onscreen chemistry together is also great. They have a steamy bond that electrifies the screen. Their connection felt genuine to me and the sexuality between them didn’t feel like it was for straight men to get off on, it felt like two women in love. Their sex scenes are not overly lurid, instead they come across as passionate and beautiful. I particularly love scene where they share their first kiss because of the slow seducing nature. They take their time and don’t rush things which makes it feel all the more passionate and convincing.

Is It Any Good? Bound (1996)
Jennifer Tilly and Gina Gershon

As for the rest of the cast, they all do a good job as well. Joe Pantoliano does a very nice job playing Tilly’s awful mobster boyfriend. God I just kept wanting him to die – which is good because he’s a villainous character. I’m always happy to see Christopher Meloni too (one of my top Hollywood crushes). Meloni always gives it his all and he turns in a solid performance here as a narcissistic mobster.

All these wonderful actors are supported by a well written script that is so entertaining. I was actually surprised by how entertaining and satisfying Bound is. The romance between the two leading ladies is well laid out and their love feels authentic. If they didn’t get that right then the film would’ve fallen apart because their commitment to one another is the foundation for everything.

The suspense is edge of your seat level good. I was completely locked into Bound the whole way through. There are a lot of genuinely suspenseful hold your breath moments and I was so pleased they were able to pull off this kind of suspense effectively. A lot of the film takes place over one fateful night where the ladies’ plan takes place and the way things end up unraveling is impressive and smart.

The direction and camera choices work very well too and contribute to Bound in a meaningful way. This film should be shown in film school. This is an example of what happens when everything falls into place. This is what can happen with a smart script, a talented cast, and skilled direction. If you haven’t already, do yourself a favor and enjoy this!

Is It Any Good? Bound (1996)
Jennifer Tilly and Joe Pantoliano

Bound is an impressive crime thriller that’s built on the foundation of a steamy romance. This film is great because of the masterful writing, the talented cast, and the smart direction. Again, this is definitely one of the best films I’ve ever seen.

bound
Is It Any Good? Bound (1996)
Bound
Bound is a success due to its masterfully written script, its talented cast, and its smart direction.
Reader Rating1 Vote
0.9
Masterfully written script
Jennifer Tilly
Gina Gershon
Joe Pantoliano
Smart direction
There aren't any real negatives here
8.5
Great

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