User reviews

This film is about a guy who falls in love with a hooker and marries her. What a lovely story, taking this poor miscreant off the streets and showing her that he is willing to take care of her. Of course, you know everything is going to go without a hitch. Not really, from a crazed white pimp who thinks he is black to mob types to undercover cops this couple is going to have a really hard time getting to the honeymoon. The film has lots of violence, some sex, and inexplicably Bronson Pinchot who at the time was still most known as the lovable Balki from the television show "Perfect Strangers". Well here he plays a guy who gets caught by the cops with some white powder on his nose and it is not from a doughnut. The film's best sequence to me though was the Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper one. Great scene, I love how Hopper's character basically realizes what is going to happen to him so he does his best to insult Walken's character as a parting shot. Just wish both of them were in the movie a bit more, especially Walken who disappears from the film after this scene. I could have done without the Elvis ghost scenes, but aside from that I have a rather positive image of this movie despite the fact it is not something I typically care for.

I cannot ignore the influence Quentin Tarantino's script had over the style of direction in "True Romance". The scary part is, if Tarantino had directed, it probably would have been even better. The sacrifice he made ended out being well worth it though. The good acting from a strong cast completed this great movie.

Christian Slater's wardrobe however, steals the show.

8 out of 10.

True Romance is one of those movies that I've heard about for so many years and heard so many great things about, but never actually got around to seeing until now. In many ways, this is a classic Tarantino film. Albeit, it's only written by him and directed, it still feels like the same old obscurely charming tone that he brings to each of his films. At its heart, True Romance is a romance with a little bit of violence, luckily the incredibly talented cast and smartly written script, it's a whole lot more than that.

I'd be wrong not to mention the amazing Hans Zimmer score that finally turned me on to the film. It's so simple, yet so cheerfully poignant, if that makes sense. Coming and going when needed, and always having a presence, it's truly one of Hans Zimmer's best, which is saying a lot. I had to get that out of the way because there's plenty more to get excited about with True Romance. Let's take the cast for example, which displays some of the greatest cameos in film history. Christian Slater, Patricia Arquette, Michael Rapaport, Bronson Pinchot, and Brad Pitt make up the main cast. But the supporting cast includes Dennis Hopper, James Gandolfini, Samuel L. Jackson, Christopher Walken, Tom Sizemore, Val Kilmer, and Gary Oldman make their presence felt for sure. I don't want to overstate it, but it may be the greatest ensemble of all time.

It's not just that there's a lot of great actors though, everyone gets their chance to shine. Brad Pitt has a glorified cameo-role, but yet it's one of his more memorable roles. Gary Oldman is unrecognizable as Drexel, and also has a small part, but his big scene is easy one of the best in the film. Gandolfini, in a pre-Sopranos gig, proves to charismatic yet terrifying as a henchman for a crime boss. And who can forget Walken's iconic cameo as Vincenzo Coccotti, another person after Clarence and the cocaine he stole. Scene after scene, line after line, True Romance is one of the most quotable and re-watchable films ever made.

Granted, after one viewing I'm over-hyping it a bit. There are some undeniable issues with True Romance, like how everything happens so easily for Clarence. There are some consequences for his character here and there, but for the most part, he gets away with what he wants and it all comes very easily for a guy who was just presented to be a nerd from Detroit. I also don't feel like the ending completely wraps up what it needs to. In classic Tarantino fashion, things happen really fast and in a chaotic and unexpected nature, therefore leaving a few strings loose in the end. Seemingly leaving the door open for a sequel, which never came.

In all though, True Romance is a film that is as enjoyable to watch as it probably was to film. Everything was hitting on all cylinders, and it became a classic many years later for it.

8.4/10

Christian Slater and Patricia Arquette make an outstanding couple in this film that had enough stars for several summer hits.

Directed by Tony Scott and written by Quenton Tarantino, you know there was going to be explosive action, too.

I couldn't even recognize Gary Oldman, but he got all nasty over Slater - "He must have thought it was White Boy Day." He never expected what Slater had in mind. And, guess what? Her clothes were not in the bag he took! I always like seeing Dennis Hopper. he just makes a movie more interesting. I'm sure he didn't want to meet Christopher Walken. He brought James Gandolfini with him - a formidable pair. He shouldn't have told that story about the Moors and my people. Gandofini did OK with Hopper, but he should have never messed with Arquette.

Wow! Bronson Pinchot, Michael Rapaport, Brad Pitt and Saul Rubinek, too.

What an ending!!!! A magnificent script and a soundtrack to die for.

The ending feels tacked on and tonally troubled, though incidentally it isn't the ending that Tarantino wrote and represents the only major story change that took place during the feature's journey from page to screen - aside from a rejigging of the chronology, which is mostly inconsequential and might even be an improvement on the piece. It punctuates Scott's own romantic, fairy-tale view of a story which should really represent a heightened-reality retelling of 'Bonnie and Clyde' - grim ending and all. 'True Romance (1993)' suffers from the usual problems that plague this writer's work, but is still a highly entertaining and brutal picture that shows off its astute pop-culture sensibilities, excruciatingly long moments of nail-biting tension and brilliantly explosive sequences of violence with pride. Plus, that 'Sicilian' scene really is as fantastic as everyone says. 8/10

This is a great movie, a cool movie, a funny movie and an action movie. Directed by Tony Scott, one of the best (if not the best) action movie directors around, True Romance is the story of Alabama (Arquette) and Clarence (Slater) young newlywed lovers on the run with a stolen suitcase full of $5m worth of the mafia's coke, which they intend to sell. But as the old saying goes, the path to true love never runs smooth and a battle of wits ensues between Clarence, the police and the mob leading to a classic finale in this action packed film. As a whole, this movie works beautifully but on DVD it's even better because you can access all your favorite classic scenes that unmistakeably bare Tarantino's hallmark again and again. Such as the opening scene where the heterosexual Clarence (Slater) states that he'd sleep with Elvis if he were still alive, or the showdown between Clarence and dread-locked gangster (Oldman). Or the showdown between the mob boss (Walken) and Clarence's Dad (Hopper). Classic scenes indeed, particularly the one with Walken and Hopper.

Also some other great performers that make this movie as entertaining as it is, are: Michael Rappaport as the dopey aspiring actor (auditioning, of all things, for a one-time role as Crook #2 for an episode of "T.J. Hooker" that is set to co-star Peter Breck!), Chris Penn and Tom Sizemore as over-zealous narc squad partners, and Bronson Pinchot is wonderfully whiny as a movie producer's whipping boy and go-fer named Elliot. So I suggest you sit back, relax, and suspend disbelief while you are taken on a very strange and very satisfying ride through a lesser known piece of the Quentin Tarantino universe.

Overall rating: 8 out of 10.

True Romance succeeds very well at being fun, entertaining and exciting. However, it lacks depth in a noticeable way. It lacks an ending, a message. It does go pretty full out but not enough to work only on that level. I felt there was a lack of heart, of sincerity. It is kind of romantic but not really. Not in a profound way. It's a mix-match of crazy scenarios, villains, twists and accidents that don't add together but just distract you along the way.

But at least the plot keeps moving and is full of surprises and funny situations. It had me laughing out loud several times. Bronson Pinchot and all the scenes he was in were hilarious. Tom Sizemore and Chris Penn were also very funny. Christian Slater is likable but a bit naive while Patricia Arquette is gorgeous and lovely - she is feminine and caring but also strong.

The supporting cast is full of great actors giving excellent performances. Gary Oldman is one of my all-time favourite actors and it's incredible how he vanishes into his weird but menacing character. Christopher Walken is quite intimidating even with his cheeky smile and twinkling eyes. Dennis Hopper is superb and his scene with Walken appears to be one of the most popular movie moments of the 90s. James Gandolfini has a brutal scene with Patricia Arquette that makes a big impact. Brad Pitt is pretty amusing in his 2 minutes or so of screen-time.

It's not surprising at all that Tarantino wrote the script. In fact, his screenplay was apparently divided up into both this film and Natural Born Killers. The dialogue isn't on the level of his other movies - it's not as sharp or insightful. I prefer the philosophy and bite of his directorial efforts. But the overall structure is very similar: there are shoot-outs, the threat of torture, drugs, unexpected visitors and trivial conversations. Moreover, Tarantino intended for the scenes to be in a non-chronological order (like Pulp Fiction). It's hard to say if that might have worked better. Tony Scott seems okay as a director but I think he tends to focus on style over substance and fails to give the movie any special mark of his own.

One issue I did have was the exploitation of violence and lack of a solid message. Is it really just about a true romance? Considering all the violence and comedy, it obviously doesn't take the idea seriously. But great movies should have some kind of purpose and True Romance clearly lacks that. Confidence is good but it can turn into cockiness.

You could throw in some deleted scenes, take certain scenes out and it wouldn't make a difference. The scenes don't build on top of each-other. True Romance is engaging but only as an action comedy thriller, not as a great story. There are no unique insights, no satire or commentary. And it basically glorifies violence. As if it's fun and doesn't have serious consequences.

Absolutely bloody amazing, 10/10 would recommend to friends and family

Just saw this film for the first time after having heard it about it repeatedly for years. I really enjoyed more than anything the great performances from a really amazing ensemble cast. The fast and clever language often found in Tarantino movies is heard all throughout this film. The plot and story often feel predictable and the unfolding of events lead to a conclusion that is relatively obvious from halfway into the film. I didn't find myself captivated by the story but I was invested in the smart directing and writing in several of the individual scenes. Multiple scenes in the film stand out with the Tarantino dialogue and interesting direction from Tony Scott including the showdown at Drexel's and the interrogation scene between Christopher Walken and Dennis Hopper. The closer the ending came the less the film seemed to engage me. Despite the story not entirely working for me, I really enjoyed many of the individual scenes. It is clear from the story and style of the film that there is an influence of 70s cinema with films like Terrence Malick's Badlands, referenced throughout the movie. If Howard Hawks was right and all you need to have a good film is "three great scenes and no bad scenes" than this film is definitely worth checking out.

Clarence (Christian Slater) marries call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette), steals cocaine from her pimp (Gary Oldman), and tries to sell it in Hollywood, while the owners of the coke try to reclaim it.

If you want to study the evolution of Quentin Tarantino, you have to start here. Plenty to take note of: the dialogue is dense, there are plenty of references to Sonny Chiba. Probably dozens of film references so obscure no viewer will ever find them.

Somehow this ended up in the hands of Tony Scott. Luckily it did. Not only is he a skilled action director, but he did very little to water down the elements Tarantino put in place. In many ways, this is just as much a Tarantino film as a Scott film.

And that impressive cast? Wow. Anybody who was anybody in the 1990s makes an appearance.

True Romance (1993), directed by Tony Scott and written by Quentin Tarantino, is a violent, stylish, and twisted love story that blends crime thriller and dark comedy. The film follows Clarence Worley (Christian Slater), a lonely comic book store clerk in Detroit, who meets and instantly falls for Alabama Whitman (Patricia Arquette), a vibrant call girl hired by his boss as a birthday surprise. The two quickly marry, believing they've found true love.

Clarence decides to confront Alabama's pimp, Drexl (Gary Oldman), a brutal drug dealer. In a chaotic shootout, Clarence kills Drexl and mistakenly takes a suitcase full of cocaine, believing it to be Alabama's belongings. The newlyweds go on the run, heading to Los Angeles with dreams of selling the drugs and starting a new life.

In L. A., Clarence contacts an old friend, Dick Ritchie (Michael Rapaport), an aspiring actor, who helps arrange a meeting with a Hollywood producer interested in buying the coke. But the deal attracts unwanted attention. The mob, led by ruthless enforcer Vincenzo Coccotti (Christopher Walken), is after the drugs and relentlessly hunts the couple down. Meanwhile, the police are also closing in.

The film builds toward a spectacular and bloody climax in a hotel room, where gangsters, cops, and drug dealers collide in a hail of bullets. Through it all, the bond between Clarence and Alabama remains passionate and unshaken.

Filled with sharp dialogue, pop-culture references, and over-the-top violence, True Romance is a cult classic that showcases Tarantino's early writing style and Tony Scott's flashy direction. It's a dangerous, pulpy fairy tale about reckless love, survival, and two misfits determined to make their own happily ever after-no matter the cost.

Review written by artist jayakumar jrain.

I really liked Tony Scott. And Tarantino, who wrote the script. That True Romance didn't find an audience, we can blame Pulp Fiction and Natural Born Killers for. The former stole it's thunder, and is a special, special movie. The latter destroyed it's reputation, since True Romance got compared to NBK. It's much better than Oliver Stones movie. It's a love story, packed in tons of violence. And I got my first real movie crush watching the lovely Patricia Arquette, who talks like she's singing. It has no real ground in reality, it's a fairy tale about two mismatches meeting. But the payoff is a movie that deserved better. From Brad Pitt's scenestealing crackhead, to the strangest edition of Gary Oldman this side of Dracula, to the ultra-violent showdown between James Gandolfini and Patricia Arquette, True Romance delivers on every cylinder.

Who doesn't like to see a story where a boy and girl fall deeply in love and the boy risks his life for the girl of his dreams.

I hadn't watched "True Romance" in years, I have it on videotape, what a great balls-out, utlra-cool movie! This movie kicked ass on every level. Tarantino showed why He'd be force in moves and Tony Scott is a great interpreter of his work.

"True Romance" lives up to its title and then some. When comic store clerk Clarence (Slater) hooks up with Alabama (Patrica Arquette) all hell breaks loose as they try to unload a case of coke in Hollywood. They're just two kids with big dreams, its easy to imagine this in medieval times, talk about romance, peasant boys kills evil warlord to defend his lady's honor! Actually Clarence offs Drexl, unbelievably played by GAry Oldman, what a great actor!

The cast is unreal! Brad Pitt plays permanently high roomie Floyd and makes you wonder what happened to this brilliant actor. I understand he may have done good work again in "Jesse James", still here he was young and unkempt and theatrically brilliant in a small part. Remember Brad, there are no small parts only small actors.

Dennis Hopper, a frigin genius, steals scenes and out-acts Chris Walken, no small feat, in a brilliant scene where he informs Mafioso Walken that he's a... Well watch the movie for that one. The film only gets better when they get to Hollywood. James Gandolfini, long before the "Sopranos" scores as a hit man roughing up Alabama. He's awesome in this scene! Bronson Pinchot makes you forget "Perfect Strangers" Though he is very funny here. The cops are great and was that really Eric Kramer as Saul Rubinek's thug? He deserves better than what he's gotten lately. Rubinek is great too, note the "Godfather" like line, "I treated you like a son, you f*ckin stab me in the heart!" Awesome.

This flick is just great from start to finish, everyone did a superb job. I didn't even mention Sam Jackson, Val Kilmer or the late Chris Penn. This was one of the best flicks of the decade. Not to be missed! One note, this is a hard "R" with strong language, extreme violence and some sex scenes.

" Weird Romance "

Film : #trueromance Director : #tonyscott Writer : #QuentinTarantino DOP : #JafferyKimballL Music : @hanszimmer Cast : @realchristianslater @patriciaarquette #Bradpitt #garyoldman Don't know why Tarantino Sold the script and it was the first screenplay by him not to be directed !! Tony Scott's True Romance is a funny and violent action jaunt in the best sense". cinematic equivalent of cocaine-flavoured bubble-gum ! "The Sicilian scene"wonderfully written and made utterly iconic by the two virtuoso actors" !!