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Broken Vessels (1998)

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All Critics
Top Critics

Average Rating: 5.8/10
Reviews Counted: 15
Fresh: 10 | Rotten: 5

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Average Rating: N/A
Critic Reviews: 4
Fresh: 3 | Rotten: 1

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Average Rating: 3.1/5
User Ratings: 1,543

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Movie Info

Scott Ziehl made his directorial debut with this high-energy ambulance ride with a pair of paramedics careening through the Los Angeles night, with Antonio Calvache's camerawork capturing the social drama in a documentary-style depiction. In the vein of Leaving Las Vegas, the film was the top 1998 winner (best feature) at the fourth Los Angeles Independent Film Festival. Pennsylvanian Tom (Jason London) arrives in L.A., encounters his eccentric neighbor Susy (Susan Traylor), and gets work with

R, 1 hr. 30 min.

Drama, Action & Adventure

Directed By: Scott Ziehl

Written By: Scott Ziehl, David Baer, John McMahon

On DVD: Nov 9, 1999

Zeitgeist Films

Broken Vessels Trailer & Photos

Cast

Todd Field
Jimmy Warzniak
Jason London
Tom Meyer
Roxana Zal
Elizabeth Capalino
Susan Traylor
Susy
James Hong
Mr. Chen
Patrick Cranshaw
Gramps
Brent David Fraser
Jed
Stephanie Feury
Jill
David Nelson
Rick
William Smith
Bo
David Baer
Bob
John Hughes
Cop
Dave Neilson

Critic Reviews for Broken Vessels

All Critics (27) | Top Critics (8) | Fresh (10) | Rotten (5) | DVD (5)

Competently made but it tells the same old story of drug addiction that Trainspotting (1996) told much better.

May 26, 2006 Full Review Source: Combustible Celluloid

| Comment

Jeffrey M. Anderson

Combustible Celluloid

Makes a quieter but deeper impression than Bringing Out the Dead.

January 8, 2005 Full Review Source: TheMovieReport.com

| Comment

Michael Dequina

TheMovieReport.com

weighted down by conventional morality and predictable storytelling

September 18, 2001 Full Review Source: culturevulture.net

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Tom Block

culturevulture.net

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Audience Reviews for Broken Vessels

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Obvious symbolism and pretentiousness aside, this is one boring film. Though it was cool to see William Smith (the white one) in a film again.

January 31, 2008

Christopher Brown

Super Reviewer

Surprisingly effective drama with fine performances from Todd Field and Jason London. Great pace, believable situations, good supporting cast. The score is very nice, good editing and the overall direction is right on target.

November 6, 2009