Following the same path that our beloved Jean Claude Van Damme, has taken in some of his most recent works, he returns to one of those roles of old tired wasted hero, that is caught in the middle of a crossfire, having no other choice than save the day one last time, achieving in the proccess, a personal redemption. A path that most action heroes need to follow when their glory days are long gone.
“We Die Young“, tells the story of Lucas, a 14 year old boy involved in a gang, who tries to keep his little brother away from the gang world. When a mysterious Afghanistan war veteran, arrives to the neighborhood, Lucas finds an opportunity to leave the gang world behind, but it won´t be so easy and he will have to face the consequences of his treason.
This is not a typical Van Damme movie, but most likely a film with Van Damme, in which, altough he plays one of the leading roles, his performance relies tottally on his acting skills and not on his martial arts. So fans that tune into this flick. expecting spectacular helicopter kicks, are going to be extremely disappointed.
Lior Geller debuts in this low budget production, on his first fictional feature as director, telling a story about a youth wasted by street violence. A tale of violent redemption, in which hope is something that must be fighting for. An emotional journey through the eyes of some really different characters, across the streets of a hopeless neighborhood, where violence is the only choice…
The film is unexpectedly very well builded around its dramatic atmosphere, and is also really solid on its developement of the characters, with very good and convincing performances by the whole cast and an inspired Jean Claude Van Damme, proving what he is capable of as an actor, with a good script and under a good direction. Sadly, the film really sinks on its action sequences, where the annoying constant camera shakings, makes you feel dizzy, not allowing you of clearly see what is happening on the screen. A trend that in recent years, action films have tended to have and that ruins all the enjoyment. Please filmmakers of the world, eradicate that habit once and for all, cause it sucks!
Nevertheless, and as I was saying, the film is surprisingly good, and gives more than you could expect, which for a film fan is always a joy. This is an emotional and touching story, about choices that defines who we are, and acts of redemption that can save a wounded soul.
The film is available through streaming platforms such as Amazon Prime, Vudu Video, Itunes or Fandango Now.