Predrag "Strange Days" is a movie that has a bit of everything and ends up being a terrific cinematic experience. Set in a near future, the story deals with classic themes like virtual reality, thought control or the share of memory, providing and exciting and engaging cyberpunk adventure. Director Kathryn Bigelow creates a futuristic LA that manages to be both sophisticated and believable, avoiding the over-the-top, Utopian and not very realistic depictions of future societies presented in other sci-fi films. Although "Strange Days" is basically a thriller, it is way above many run-of-the-mill movies of its genre, as it succeeds at combining its key elements perfectly. The direction is dynamic, unique and fast-paced, adding style and energy with an excellent sense of rhythm, flow and tension. The acting is also a plus, since Ralph Fiennes is unforgettable as the flawed anti-hero Lenny and Angela Basset shines as his sister-in-arms Mace. This duo makes for an odd, yet original and memorable couple, delivering some enticing and moving scenes. It's also interesting seeing the female character protecting the male for a change, making for a clever reverse of the predictable and typical scenario of most action flicks. Juliette Lewis is also convincing as the dark and feral femme-fatal, especially when she sings a P.J. Harvey song to perfection (one of the many excellent and remarkable moments of this movie).The only problem is the script, which in its determined liberalism (the LAPD isn't really rife with racism, oh no, it's just a couple of loose cannons here and there) is at odds with the basically scary premise. In the end, it relies on the concept of The Good Cop and Real Love Conquering All. I don't suppose it could've been any other way, but...really.Although I am a fan of thrillers and sci-fi, a good story (giving the viewer a range of feelings and emotions) regardless of the genre is what truly sells to a wide audience. I believe that Strange Days is a good story told extremely well by the director, Kate Bigelow, using film.Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

cinemamaestro1 This is truly an under-appreciated master work which deserves many, many, many repeat viewings. Initially released in 1995 to wan box office and mixed reception, "Strange Days" resonates more than ever today with its bleak depiction of a world dominated by virtual reality obsession and the desire to be anyone, anywhere else for a moment in time. Director Kathryn Bigelow meticulously and expertly stages every scene, from the opening roof top chase to the climactic New Year's Eve countdown. The film also features some of the best ever performances from Ralph Fiennes as a slick but conscientious hustler, Angela Bassett as a tough but honorable limo driver, Juliette Lewis as a confused rock singer, and Tom Sizemore as a seemingly non-threatening sidekick with a dark agenda. Had this film been released today and given a more careful marketing scheme, it would have really reached the audience it deserved. Never the less, it remains an A-grade, ahead of its time futuristic thriller.

carbuff This film makes a strong case for giving the reigns of more action films to women. While not brilliant or deeply insightful, this film produces more real emotions than all of Michael Bay's movies put together. I saw this when it first came out, and it didn't make make much of an impression on me, so much so, that I might have bet as much as $1000 that it starred Val Kilmer. (I'm still absolutely 100% positive that it did star Kilmer in the alternate universe that I must have originally saw it in.) Even though I couldn't remember hardly any of this movie, there is little doubt not too far into the film who the killer is (and I swear I'm certain it's not because I knew it on some subconscious level). Still, knowing the identity of the villain didn't stop the story from being interesting, thought-provoking, and entertaining. The film is long, and definitely could have used some editing, but it's not interminable by any means. I must say that this particular dystopian future is not nearly as prescient as some reviewers seem to think, and the amount of things it gets "right" about 1999 don't amount to much. Look around and arguably we are actually currently living in a dystopian Sci Fi future, but it's unlike any predicted in any movie, and since we are fully immersed in it, we don't notice it anymore than a fish notices water--damn, that drone (I mean, quadraopoter) is annoying, no doubt my PC camera is spying on me, might as well say hi to the NSA while I'm at it, and after I get back from genetic testing next week for a medical problem, I think I'm going to order a little extra tin foil for my hat given the Amazon price that Google just popped up). In the final analysis, while the cutting room floor was left too bare, this action movie is above average in intelligence and you probably won't kick yourself for the time lost watching it.

taylorfalcon I am usually not a big fan of millennium movies, or Sci-Fi movies in general. I was required to watch this movie for a class, so, to be honest, I was not looking forward to the assignment. However, I was greatly surprised when I found myself enjoying the film! "Strange Days" has a complex, interesting plot that definitely differs from a lot of other films I have seen. Although the storyline was confusing at first, I was able to follow along easier by the middle of the movie. If you're into movies that make you think, this is definitely one that should be on the list. "Strange Days" included a lot of exciting themes and nuances that left me thinking long after the movie finished. The ending was also definitely a surprise, so that was entertaining!