Thomas’s review published on Letterboxd:
How would you spend your last day in freedom? What would you say to your loved ones? How would they react? How would you reevaluate your whole life in this situation? What would you hope for?
Those are the existential questions at the center of Spike Lee´s masterpiece “25th Hour”. The film follows drug dealer Montgomery "Monty" Brogan on his last day before he begins serving a 7 years long prison sentence and shows how he tries to come to terms with this situation and says goodbye to his girlfriend, two best friends, and father.
“25th Hour” takes place in New York City shortly after 9/11 and while this event is not important for the plot, the movie captures the anxious mood and collective trauma of that time period. It´s also the perfect backdrop for Monty´s story, because just as he transitions into a new life full of uncertainty, fear, and danger, so has the city after the terrorist attack.
The whole film has a pensive and melancholic atmosphere and a sense of deep sadness, regret, and inevitable doom. David Benioff´s (yes, the “Game of Thrones” showrunner) script is rich and layered, the dialogue is profound, Rodrigo Prieto´s cinematography is sublime, Terence Blanchard´s score is incredibly beautiful, and Spike Lee´s direction is more subtle and subdued than usual but still full of his flair. I also like the little symbolic details such as the “Cool Hand Luke” poster in Monty´s apartment. The film has several memorable scenes, but my favorite ones are the Fuck you/New York montage, the “make me ugly” scene, and the heart-wrenching final monologue of Monty´s father. “25th Hour” has one of the most impactful movie endings of all time.
Of course, the film would be nothing without the fascinating, three-dimensional characters and phenomenal cast. Edward Norton´s lead performance is quiet and introverted but so powerful. It´s really up there with “American History X”, “Fight Club”, and “Primal Fear” as one of his career-best works. The two other standouts are Philip Seymour Hoffman and Barry Pepper, who play Monty´s best friends. That Hoffman is physically incapable of delivering a less than fantastic performance is common knowledge, but Barry Pepper is criminally underrated. He was already a highlight in “The Green Mile” and “Saving Private Ryan” and here, he shows his great talent again. The friendship dynamic and the tensions between the three are fantastically portrayed. Rosario Dawson, Anna Paquin, and Brian Cox also bring their A game. And I can´t forget Doyle, one of my favorite movie dogs.
“25th Hour” is one of the films that make you ponder on your life, the choices you made, and the person you want to be. It´s brilliantly crafted, enthralling, and deeply moving. An instant favorite.
