Today’s quick review: Gun City. After a shipment of weapons is stolen from a train, Anibal Uriarte (Luis Tosar), a stoic police officer from Madrid, is sent to assist Inspector Rediu (Vincente Romero) with the investigation. As the officers comb the city for the stolen weapons, Uriarte pursues his own objectives, earning the trust of the Baron (Manolo Solo), a nightclub owner and crime boss, and Salvador Ortiz (Paco Tous), the head of an anarchist group.
Gun City is a Spanish historical crime drama set amidst the corruption and political unrest of 1920s Barcelona. Gun City follows Anibal Uriarte as he uses his sharp mind and steady trigger finger to navigate a maze of politics, crime, and shifting loyalties. The film’s elaborate plot, rich historical setting, and solid craftsmanship make it a worthwhile entry into the crime genre. However, it lacks the focus and emotional payoff of some of its peers.
Gun City draws much of its drama from a rather complex setup. The stolen weapons are just the tip of an iceberg that includes police corruption, labor strikes, ideological divisions, personal revenge, and power plays at the country’s highest levels of government. Not everything ties together neatly, but the various plot threads and factions are enough to keep the audience guessing. The quietly creative cinematography and fine dramatic acting are a bonus.
The tradeoff is that Gun City has a hard time sticking to a single arc. The focus of the film changes often, jumping from the original investigation to labor disputes to the Baron’s dirty dealings and back again. Gun City never lets any of its plot threads drop away completely, but it does delay their resolution until the timing is more convenient. This tactic is a double-edged sword, letting the film tackle a broader plot but undercutting its momentum.
Gun City is a fine pick for anyone who’s willing to take the time to invest in a serious crime drama. Gun City’s many moving pieces give the audience plenty to puzzle over, and its historical setting brings something unique to the table. But the breadth of the movie takes its toll, requiring a fair amount of effort to follow and dampening the impact of its twists. Crime fans should give it a shot; those looking for something breezy should skip it.
For a Western about a stranger with his own motives, try A Fistful of Dollars. For an intricate tale of gangland machinations, try Miller’s Crossing. For another crime drama with a distinct historical setting, try Gangs of New York.
6.3 out of 10 on IMDB. I give it a 6.5 to 7.0 for good craftsmanship and a borderline overly broad scope.