Movie spotlight
12 Strokes to Midnight
On the evening of December 31, 1999, a few hours before the passage to the third millennium and while returning home alone, Philippe unexpectedly meets Renata, a resplendent young girl with whom he falls madly in love. Tired, in front of her luminous beauty, he loses all his means and lets her go without daring to talk to her. Furious with himself, he is bitterly reproaching himself for his shyness when, dream or reality, he suddenly finds himself on the street, facing Renata, as the first time. Almost in spite of himself, he is drawn into a whirlwind of desires and lust where hyper-sexy girls indulge in the most extreme pleasures. So, is it just a dream? Who is Renata really? Is she real or just the product of her imagination?
Insights
Plot Summary
A former boxer, haunted by his past, finds himself entangled in a dangerous underworld when a mysterious woman offers him a substantial sum of money for an unusual task. As he delves deeper, he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens not only his life but also the lives of those he cares about. He must confront his demons and fight for survival against ruthless adversaries.
Critical Reception
12 Strokes to Midnight received a mixed to negative reception from critics and audiences. While some praised its attempt at a gritty crime thriller and the performances of its lead actors, many found the plot convoluted and predictable, with a lack of originality. The film struggled to find a significant audience upon its release.
What Reviewers Say
Ponderous pacing and a derivative plot detract from potential thrills.
Christopher Lambert delivers a commendable performance, but it's not enough to save the film.
Fails to deliver a satisfying conclusion or memorable moments.
Google audience: Audience reviews are scarce and generally reflect disappointment, with common criticisms citing a slow narrative and uninspired storyline. Some viewers appreciated the darker tone and Lambert's presence, but overall sentiment suggests it was a forgettable entry in the crime thriller genre.
Fun Fact
Despite its grim themes, the film was shot primarily on location in Dublin, Ireland, lending a unique atmosphere to its urban crime setting.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources