“The Sad Cafe” Theatrical Poster
Director: Bennie Woodell
Writer: Bennie Woodell
Cast: Bradley Fowler, Katie Lanigan, John LaFlamboy, Matt Ukena, Walt Sloan, Liz Davis, George Gibson
Running Time: 137 min.
By Mighty Peking Man
A killer-for-hire named Jack (Bradley Fowler) often visits a coffee house called “Cafe Olympic,” which is the only setting he’s able to relax and find peace while reflecting on his violent lifestyle. It’s also the place where he shares a mutual attraction with the cafe’s waitress, Rose (Katie Lanigan). Despite minimal communication between the two, a meaningful relationship slowly develops.
However, Jack realizes that his dark occupation isn’t compatible with his new found love. Matters get worse when his boss (Walt Sloan) sends him on a mission that makes Jack’s life a living hell.
There’s something in “The Sad Cafe” for everyone: Romance, love, drama, gangsters, twists, action (very well staged), gore and a catchy narration. Essentially, this is “Chungking Express” meets “Fallen Angels” meets “The Killer”.
Director/writer Bennie Woodell doesn’t hide the fact that “The Sad Cafe” is heavily influenced by Wong Kar Wai, a Hong Kong director who, himself, was influenced by the French New Wave films of Jean-Luc Godard and Francois Truffaut. In addition, Bennie’s love for Asian action cinema, as well some Martin Scorsese, are also evident.
It’s hard for me to watch “The Sad Cafe” and not think of it as a pretentious flick loaded with every cliche I’ve already seen by the films and filmmakers mentioned above. At the same time, there’s something about “The Sad Cafe” that sucks you in, which has to be a tough job for a low budget filmmaker to fulfill, especially when the typical audience would rather be be watching a studio movie with known talent.
Bennie Woodell may not have talent like Tony Leung Chiu Wai, Faye Wong or Chow Yun-Fat to work with; nor does he have access to a budget that equals a week’s catering bill for Wong Kar Wai’s last movie; what he does have is the ability to entertain you with a project that may not have an ounce of originality, but grabs you and keeps you seated because it’s paced just right. Most major studio titles playing in theaters have a hard time accomplishing this.
The cinematography and use of lighting are beautiful. The soundtrack, mostly reminiscent of the elegant music in “In The Mood For Love,” aids in the story-telling and adds to the atmosphere.
My biggest gripe in “The Sad Cafe”: One minute it’s classy and stylish, the next minute you’re thrown off by its extreme brutality. Don’t get me wrong, I live for violence in films. I don’t mean to come across like some great cinema aficionado, but if I’m watching an art house flick, the last thing I’m expecting is a bloody torture scene full of grunting and yelling. Deep stuff, no doubt, but the tone felt of place.
Also, I don’t need to see guys wearing Yin Yang necklaces while flipping around their balisong knives for more than 2 seconds; if this was an 1980’s action movie starring Michael Dudikoff, then I would understand.
The bottom line: “The Sad Cafe” is an engaging film full of passion and dedication, but noticeably low on originality.
“The Sad Cafe” will soon be hitting DVD and Netflix. When it does, give it a shot, because you might be pleasantly surprised. Until then, check out the trailer.
Mighty Peking Man’s Rating: 7/10
