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Martin Scorsese is perhaps my favorite director of all time. He has a certain style and passion to his work that is one of a kind. The gripping nature of much of his early work has a grit and rough feel to it yet demands my attention. What he does with Taxi Driver is summon a tidal wave build up to an explosive finale that makes it's mark in cinematic history. He and De Niro previously worked together in Mean Streets and teamed up here to create one of the most memorable characters of all time: Travis Bickle. I love the long hallway shots and the flexibility Scorsese give to the cast. It gives it such a real world environment and rich dialog.
Lonely Travis Bickle (De Niro) looks for a job to occupy his time. He is veteran and seems to be avoiding his past while attempting to create a future. He lands a job driving a cab and offers that he will drive anywhere at any time. We quickly see that De Niro is more that what he seems to be but we can't quite make out what. He meets a girl, suffers rejection, and becomes fiercely anti-social, especially to the scummy night life around him. He can't seem to find a purpose or a direction in life. However, when he finds one, he zeros in and the target is fixed. It is not so much of the direction he wants to drive home to it is the method, and it will be a destructive one for sure. He has armed himself with all the weapons he needs and the determination to see his plan through. All we have to do it sit back and watch what happens to the pimps and other criminals that he has fixated on.
Perhaps my favorite film of all time, Taxi Driver, illustrates the downward spiral of De Niro that is all captivating as he struggles though rejection and finds a target for his aggression. I love the build up to the mind shattering ending, it is as timeless as it is shocking. Keitel, Foster, and Shepherd support the chilling look into ultimate instability. The attention to detail that Scorsese has makes this a perfect picture. From the buying and training with the weapons to the imagery of the mirror scenes are all so meaningful. The direction, which allows the actors to explore and bring personal touches to their roles, is brilliant. I love the facial close-ups and reactions from the young stars. Scorsese passionately shot this picture and did not hold back in portraying his vision. There are clean and pure shots that are as astounding as the moments of brutality. It truly is a modern masterpiece and was my favorite picture for 1976. (A+)
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Film Master Thomas on 6/06/11 at 09:27 AM
Nice review :) I shall give you a thumbs up. Congrats on 100 fully written reviews :) Not those sentence long ones.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:20 AM
Thank you, FMT. I try to keep them pretty short but not too long- and to the point. Much appreciated.
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Pandy357 on 6/06/11 at 09:53 AM
Congratulations!!! Keep up the great reviewing job, and what an amazing film choice!!! I totally agree with you on the last par. Definitely a thumbs up worthy review ;)
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:20 AM
Thank you as always, Pandy. I adore this film on so many levels. Glad we agree.
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simon m. on 6/06/11 at 10:09 AM
Wish they still made them like this. Not even Scorsese makes them like this anymore.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:21 AM
You're right, 70's style film making is my absolute favorite and Marty gave us some good material back then. Thanks, simon.
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Myerla on 6/06/11 at 10:29 AM
Congrats on the big 100 and great review. New York never looked so foreboding. The score was amazing and De Niro was amazing. I still feel Raging Bull is Scorsese best work.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:23 AM
Thanks, Myerla. I can't argue too much on that Raging Bull comment, I can see where many feel that is his best performance. Bickle is my favorite DeNiro role though.
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Earth Giant on 6/06/11 at 10:44 AM
Scorcese, Bernard Hermann, De Niro, and a young and surprising Jodie Foster... Wow! This film mesmerized us then, and now, into the fourth decade since its release, it still sends shivers of cinematic delight down our spines. A film like no other. A great review; a great tribute.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:23 AM
Damn, I can see you love it too, EG. My spine will never be the same! Thank you as always.
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Aditya Gokhale on 6/06/11 at 11:06 AM
Outstanding review! 100 reviews..that was mighty fast Mr Taylor..and all your reviews are well-constructed, concise, yet complete! Cheers!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 11:26 AM
That means a lot coming from you, Aditya. You were one of my first friends here. I will always make time for film life between married life, work life, and exercise. Thanks!
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Hawaiianguy2991 on 6/06/11 at 12:14 PM
Congrats on 100 man, this is a film I am ashamed to say I havent seen yet.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 12:19 PM
I highly recommend it, obviously. Thank you for stopping by and hope you get around to it as I'd like to hear your verdict of it sometime.
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Theta Sigma on 6/06/11 at 12:26 PM
Congrats on the milestone - I enjoy reading your reviews. I haven't seen this yet - I have a backlog at present so I look forward to it. Great review.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 01:00 PM
Thanks TS. Its always good to receive yours as well. Bump this one up on the "to see list"! Later.
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David J. on 6/06/11 at 01:09 PM
This a movie i really wanted to like but never could. Ive been meaning to revisit it.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 01:44 PM
It is fair to say that it is not for everyone, I can offer that in fairness. DeNiro is my Elvis and Taxi Driver is his "Hound Dog"...thanks for commenting, David.
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peter h. on 6/06/11 at 01:26 PM
By far one of the finest films of not just the 1970's but one of the greatest movies of all time. Brilliant review Taylor and a huge congats to 100 reviews
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 01:47 PM
I agree whole heartedly. I have a TOP 100 list and pretty solid TOP 20 in there. I can't seem to put anything over this one. As always, thanks for stopping by, peter.
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Sparky on 6/06/11 at 01:44 PM
Congrats on number 100. Great review. One of these days I am actually going to have to see this film.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 01:48 PM
Much appreciated, Sparky. Put it high up on your list of films to see. I can guarantee a strong reaction if nothing else!
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HERESSSSSSJOHNNY on 6/06/11 at 02:41 PM
Excellent review, one of my favorite Scorsese films.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 05:13 PM
Glad you're a fan, Johnny. Thank you.
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Wisenheimer on 6/06/11 at 03:23 PM
Congratulations on your 100th review Mr. Taylor. I have yet to see this if you can believe that. Don't worry though, I will very soon.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 05:14 PM
Much appreciated. Bump it up on your list- it is amazing.
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SteveTellsItHowHeSeesIt on 6/06/11 at 03:51 PM
Congrats for getting to 100 reviews man. This is the same film i decided to review for my 100th aswell, i guess great minds think alike. You summed it all up prefectely, well done
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 05:15 PM
Really?! I guess so. Thank you for your time as always, Steve.
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SteveTellsItHowHeSeesIt on 6/07/11 at 04:56 AM
yes really, have a look at my review if you want lol
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 09:21 AM
I looked it up and then remembered it. I commented about the bragging rights you touched on or something. Thanks.
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Epi on 6/06/11 at 04:36 PM
This is an awesome review on such a classic film! And congrats on your 100th review!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 05:15 PM
Thank you, Epi. I agree with you as usual.
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Rachel H. on 6/06/11 at 04:48 PM
i should see this, great review and congrats on hitting 100
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Mr. Taylor on 6/06/11 at 05:16 PM
I suggest it big time! Thanks, Rach.
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Daniel R. on 6/06/11 at 11:18 PM
Excellent review. I only just saw this a few weeks ago, and it's a tremendously moody masterpiece. One of Scorsese's best without question, and De Niro is amazing.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 06:08 AM
Glad to hear it, Daniel. I wondered what your take on it was. I agree completely. Thanks.
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Rohit Ramachandran on 6/06/11 at 11:55 PM
Favourite film of all time! Good review, dude check out Network from the same year.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 06:13 AM
Indeed. You kindly commented on my review of Network a while back. I gave it 100% as well. Thank you as always, Rohit.
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Rohit Ramachandran on 6/07/11 at 12:16 PM
Oh really? Hmmm, let me check it out lol.
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LG on 6/07/11 at 01:22 AM
Great review for a great film! This isn't my favorite by Scorsese, but I love it nonetheless. :)
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 06:14 AM
Glad to hear, Lyzette. I appreciate your time to comment.
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Matt S. on 6/07/11 at 07:33 AM
Great review Mr. Taylor, and congrats on 100. I recently got to 100 and chose Raging Bull for mine, I still need to review this one though.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 09:09 AM
Thank you, Matt. I chose my favorite for #100. Love Raging Bull also.
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Guido on 6/07/11 at 07:51 AM
Nicely written review. A brilliant film, dark and disturbing yet very real.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 09:10 AM
Agreed. The ending is one of a kind. Thanks for stopping by and commenting, nresnay.
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Bill T. on 6/07/11 at 08:41 AM
Congrats on Number 100 and what a wonderous movie to pick for your centenial! Agrred on all points as this is an out and out masterpiece. Well done!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/07/11 at 09:10 AM
Glad we agree on this one, Bill. There's nothing like it that I've seen yet. Thank you.
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flickerframe on 6/07/11 at 11:32 PM
Wonderful review of a wonderful movie. I think everyone sees the character and the movie differently and no version is wrong. I happened to watch the movie also recently and I realised that it has hardly dated at all, the dialogues, the intensity and the subtext is all extremely relevant even today. This was the DeNiro we all loved, the way he inhabits the character is scary and real.
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flickerframe on 6/07/11 at 11:33 PM
Oh, and a perfect way to round up the 100... Keep it going mate... cheers.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/08/11 at 06:13 AM
I agree completely and thank you for your time. If you will, give me a thumbs up or down as I'd like this to be my highest rated. Thanks again.
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flickerframe on 6/08/11 at 07:24 AM
will do mr taylor
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Adam Moody on 6/08/11 at 02:08 PM
very nice review of the film that has stayed at the top of my list for all of the two years i have been a major film freak.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/08/11 at 03:03 PM
Glad to hear it- and thanks a lot for stopping by.
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Lord Naseby on 6/08/11 at 03:04 PM
Excellent review! Congrats on 100!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/08/11 at 03:08 PM
Thank you, LN. Its been fun!
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CACB on 6/09/11 at 11:13 PM
Excellent review man. The film's a great portrayal of descent into madness, and DeNiro acts it pretty well too
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Mr. Taylor on 6/10/11 at 05:47 AM
Thanks for stopping by. I love the descent, all the way. Later, CACB.
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PantaOz on 6/10/11 at 03:57 PM
One of the best movies... Good review!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/10/11 at 09:57 PM
I agree. Thanks a lot.
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TONYS FILM REVIEWS on 6/10/11 at 04:50 PM
Howcome I didnt recieve tihis post?. Good review anyway, its good to see that you can see the genius behind this movie. Btw Scorsese is my fav director aswel. Hes not like Spielberg that make movies that he knows people will like, Scorsese makes movies for himself. I think thats great.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/10/11 at 09:58 PM
Dunno, you're one of my boys. Glad you caught it anyway. I agree, he's the man!
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gareth j. on 6/10/11 at 05:12 PM
Great review!. First one i have read as am a new friend, one of my all time fav films :)
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Mr. Taylor on 6/10/11 at 09:58 PM
Thanks a lot. Glad to hear it, you're very wise!
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Joseph A. on 6/10/11 at 10:47 PM
Arguably his best film, I find certain moments here to be comical... but not in a negative way. I just happen to see, I suppose, the satirical humor in it all I suppose. This is one of the few films that got me interested in film in the first place, as I am sure it has to many others. Great review.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/10/11 at 11:03 PM
Good insight. I laugh my ass off when DeNiro says "he calls you names, he calls you a little piece of chicken". WTF? That's funny. I see the satire as well. Thanks.
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Joseph A. on 6/10/11 at 11:26 PM
One thing that always bothered me was how Iris's sunglasses change color. Supposedly it isn't a goof, it is part of her character. Evidently she changes her sunglasses every so often, but it's hardly noticeable that she does this anywhere else. I just don't know. It has always bothered me. I only recently read that the amount of continuity issues in the last segment are due in part to it being a dream of Travis'. I don't know about that one either... great film regardless. I may have to watch i
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Mr. Taylor on 6/11/11 at 05:52 AM
I don't buy the dream sequences stuff. I think Wikipedia has some info on that topic that is not half bad. Thanks again.
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Zach Johnson - MM5000 on 6/11/11 at 04:44 PM
I agree 1,000% man. Brilliant review!
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Mr. Taylor on 6/12/11 at 09:51 AM
Thank you, a fierce classic.
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Zach Johnson - MM5000 on 6/13/11 at 12:28 AM
totally. my favorite bob deniro flick. got a vhs copy and love to watch it almost everytime it comes on AMC.
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The King Elvis on 6/12/11 at 01:14 PM
Beautifully written review. Makes me want to watch it right now.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/12/11 at 03:23 PM
Much appreciated, I can watch it at anytime myself.
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The King Elvis on 6/12/11 at 08:45 PM
Blu-ray is the way to go on this one! I think you can agree that one of the best scenes in the movie is when he is buying the guns seeing as you like to collect guns, like me.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/13/11 at 05:59 AM
Hells, yes! Taxi Driver and gun collecter. My man! Gotta new Kimber Custom II 45 ACP to go pick up today...
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Brantastic16 on 6/14/11 at 04:50 PM
Great review. This movie is brilliant on so many levels. It's one of my favorites. I think this is probably the best character study ever done in film.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/14/11 at 05:01 PM
I love it too. Good point, it might very well be. Thanks for commenting, B.
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Niki Soprano on 6/20/11 at 03:29 PM
Amazing review! this is one of my favorite movies as well
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Mr. Taylor on 6/21/11 at 06:10 AM
Glad to hear it! Thank you.
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Dylan Smith on 6/25/11 at 01:52 PM
Congradulations on your 100th review Taylor. I've only been fimilar with two of Scorsese films(Shutter Island and The Aviator) and come to think of it, I have been intrested in seeing this film and Raging Bull in the near future when I can finally get to a local video store. Thanks, for heads up, God bless you, and keep up the wonderful work on your reviews Taylor. Thanks, come back and see me.
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Mr. Taylor on 6/25/11 at 02:05 PM
Thank you, Dylan. I strongly recommend getting into perhaps the best director of all time.
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ben n. on 8/05/11 at 02:15 AM
This is easily my favourite movie of all time :) It is easy to say and think of when people ask. Although I think 2001 is better technically - for many 2001 is greater.. but for me, Taxi Driver and getting Bickle with it is my kind of movie. Helped me on my warrior path :)
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Mr. Taylor on 8/05/11 at 05:45 AM
Well, we see eye to eye on this one. If I had to pick a #1 film, its this one. 2001 is high in my TOP 20 and climbing higher over the years. Thanks, ben.
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Ryan M on 8/16/11 at 06:28 AM
Excellent review. You did a very good job. Thanks for that.
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Uttiyo Sarkar on 3/15/12 at 02:09 AM
Excellent Review! Definately One Of The Best Movies of Scorsese, and also excellent acting by De Niro. One Of My Favourites also.
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Mr. Taylor on 3/15/12 at 10:43 AM
Thank you. This is in my TOP 10 and just might be my favorite film. Indeed a highlight for Scorsese and DeNiro.
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Alex DeSmall on 3/15/12 at 09:23 PM
" ...the flexibility Scorsese give to the cast. It gives it such a real world environment and rich dialog. " that is so true..
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donathan h. on 7/13/12 at 02:52 PM
just a great movie... and great review
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Mr. Taylor on 7/13/12 at 05:45 PM
Thanks man! Love it too.
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Bruno Youn on 9/16/12 at 12:54 PM
My favorite movie from Scorsese! I hope Robert De Niro appears in more quality films like this masterpiece. Great review Taylor!
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Mr. Taylor on 9/16/12 at 04:04 PM
Thank B. Love it too!
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Double.Dubs on 10/26/12 at 10:54 PM
Excellent review, Craig. This film took me a few watches over many years to finally appreciate and love it. De Niro's performance is just chilling and bittersweet.
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Mr. Taylor on 10/29/12 at 03:09 PM
Glad you like it. It just might be my #1 of all time but def in my Top 10. Thanks!
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