Rating: R
Genre:
Crime
Release Date: 08/27/2002
Sound: DS
Run Time: 98 Minutes
Flags: Violence, Adult Situations, Not For Children, Adult Language
Distributor/Studio: Live/Artisan
A somber portrait of organized crime and family trauma,
Little Odessa centers on the trouble caused when hit man Joshua Shapira (
Tim Roth) returns to his old neighborhood of Brighton Beach, Brooklyn. A hired killer for the Russian Mafia, Joshua is given an assignment in his hometown, where he renews contact with his younger brother Reuben (
Edward Furlong) and an old flame (
Moira Kelly). But others do not welcome Joshua's return, particularly his harsh, estranged father (
Maximillian Schell), who had disowned Joshua years before and currently attempts to keep him from visiting his seriously ill mother (
Vanessa Redgrave). The pressure of these family crises combine with Joshua's deepening involvement in the local crime scene, ultimately triggering a bloody confrontation. First-time director
James Gray creates a solemn, oppressive atmosphere that emphasizes the already grim nature of his story. The slow pace and familiar crime narrative were attacked by many viewers, contributing to a mixed critical reaction, but
Little Odessa nevertheless won admiration for
Gray's visual sense and the skilled performance by
Roth in the unsympathetic lead role.
~ Judd Blaise, All Movie Guide
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