Bound (1996)

Destined for cult status, this provocative thriller offers a grab bag of genres (gangster movie, comedy, sexy romance, crime caper) and tops it all off with steamy passion between lesbian ex-con Corky (Gina Gershon) and a not-so-ditzy gun moll named Violet (Jennifer Tilly), who meets Corky and immediately tires of her mobster boyfriend (Joe Pantoliano). Desperate to break away from the Mob's influence and live happily ever after, the daring dames hatch a plot to steal $2 million of Mafia money. Their scheme runs into a series of escalating complications, until their very survival depends on split-second timing and criminal ingenuity. Simultaneously violent, funny, and suspenseful, Bound is sure to test your tolerance for bloodshed, but the film is crafted with such undeniable skill that several critics (including Roger Ebert) placed it on their top-ten lists for 1996. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com essential video

Excellent Thriller, Poor DVD Transfer

Of the many films I have in my DVD library, "Bound" is a truly unique and engrossing thriller. The cinematography, acting, editing, music and script are all finely honed to a razor-sharp edge. For a debut film by the Wachowski Brothers this set the mark very high in regards to quality. Even with a limited budget everything in this film simply works beyond all expectations.

If you have friends who thought they have seen some thrillers I recommend that they are shown this film. I'm pleased to have it in my collection.

Granted, I really wanted to give this disc a five-star rating. The DVD navigation menus are not just generic but plain awful. It's hard to see which selection is highlighted since the color shading is so close. Even worse, this masterpiece hasn't been given the proper 16:9 anamorphic progressive scan transfer that it deserves. Instead it's a letterboxed 4:3 interlaced transfer. I'll venture a guess that a lot of Artisan Entertainment's early releases (now Lionsgate) suffer similar flaws. After all who'd know that 16:9 widescreen would become a standard? The only saving grace for its current DVD version is that it's region-free.

I do have to give props for the audio mix. It's very clean with lots of play in just the right places. There's no analog hiss or other distortions. And the audio commentary by not just the actors but also the Wachowski Brothers themselves is quite entertaining. But the real standout in the commentary is Jennifer Tilly. As soon as she enters the track it livens up even more. So not only do you learn about the background of the film and its production (there's some nice discussion of the lesbian symbolism employed within the film) but also the high level of camaraderie between the participants.

So while this is not my favorite DVD it is one of my all time favorite films. I hope that someday the Wachowski Brothers can return to it and help create a fitting release that takes full advantage of the technology at hand. A high-def restoration and release would certainly make me a convert to BluRay just to show it off not just to showcase the technology but also to showcase this work of cinematic art.

It's worth a buy but only if you can accept the technological limitations of the current version. I found mine in a bargain bin for $5. Maybe you can get lucky and find it at that price as well. So until it's re-released it's worth looking for. July 21, 2008

it bound me

cool but strang movie.if you like gina gershon or jennifer tilly or lesbians( and who doesn't?)then you need this flim , trust me! April 15, 2008

One of my Favorite movies ! I've seen numerous films.

Normally, I rarely watch a movie more than once, unless I want to share the experience with someone. However, *this* is one of my favorite movies, and I have seen it several times. In fact, when I worked in a movie store, while in college, I watched Prey for Rock & Roll specifically because Gina Gershon was in the flick, due to her role in Bound.

Bound is at times loud and violent, but the film also reveals subtle, sensual aspects of the characters that contrast with the angry gangster and the Tarantinoesque aspects of the movie.

I do not think that I could ever tire of seeing this film again, or sharing it with others. Whether you enjoy Gangster films, action films, or romantic films, this movie has something for nearly everyone. If you love lesbian erotica, then definitely give this film a viewing. don't rent it, purchase it; you'll want to see it (or at least segments of it) again and again. March 21, 2008

Bound review

This is a fast paced crime thriller. A must view for fans of the creators of The Matrix Trilogy. March 13, 2008

All part of the business...

I love this movie, it's so intense. Even though I have seen it numerous times, I hide behind my fingers every time J.T. makes "that" call. I'm not sure why, but movies about hard boiled criminals and their girlfriends are called Noir. Does that make the entire HBO Sopranos Noir? Did the Sopranos have a hot lesbian love scene? I don't remember, but the one in this film you'll never forget. February 17, 2008

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