The Usual Suspects

If you've seen this film and for some reason stopped watching a few minutes before the end because you thought you had it all figured out, I guarantee you've seen a completely different film. Does it sound weird? Not for this film, not at all. A brilliant ending that in the last few seconds turns everything on its head. By the way, first Oscar for Kevin Spacey and Oscar for screenplay. (2003-04-13)

A police interrogation of a criminal outcast pieces together a flashback mosaic of past events leading to the tragic explosion of a boat in the harbor. Sophisticated dark film-noir in which, in the end, everything is completely different than it seems even at the penultimate glance. A perfect screenplay built on flashback sequences and detailed characterisation, made for an unbelievable $6 million. One actor who was still unknown at the time got very lucky here in that he got a role that made him a demigod for quite some time. I want a sequel in which I can enjoy his character for more than ten seconds so that he doesn’t remain just a mythical revelation to me! (2002-06-23)

It’s funny how some films are fully appreciated only after a second screening, and The Usual Suspects is one of them. The story, which at first I found uninteresting and didn’t understand, now completely engrossed me, and I enjoyed every clever scene, all the sharp dialogue and, above all, I admired the performance of Kevin Spacey, which was absolutely amazing and deserving of an Oscar award as few others have. Thanks to its relatively short runtime, the story flows like water, Singer's imaginative and stylish direction, together with a precisely scored soundtrack, gives it enormous depth and power, and then there’s the final twist with the legendary villain Keyser Soze, who gives his rivals the shivers just by his name alone, puts the crown, making it one of the best crime films of all time. Simply brilliant craftsmanship, with a refinement, rawness and elegance that cannot be fully grasped in one viewing. 98% (2012-08-02)

Whenever I hear the name Bryan Singer, Wolverine and his fellow X-Men from the Marvel universe immediately come to mind, but I would never have bet on him directing a detective film. That was a huge mistake! The Usual Suspects has all the makings of a masterpiece. As many reviewers have already noted, the script is truly a delight—the viewer never gets lost, and the twists are perfect. Christopher McQuarrie undoubtedly showcased his talent for screenwriting here. The cast is a clear highlight, and throughout the entire runtime, they felt incredibly likable. Kevin Spacey, in particular, stood out, essentially stealing the film with his unmatched performance. Detective films often don’t have such a well-developed plot, but here, the opposite is true. I’d also like to praise the music and cinematography. The final twist was the cherry on top—it left my eyes practically popping out of their sockets. Every film could only dream of such a brilliant ending. I didn’t find any major flaws or shortcomings, and I’ll definitely have to set aside some time for a rewatch because I want to savor it all again. It’s worth it. I give it 91%. (2017-05-26)

Distinguished acting performances led by Kevin Spacey and Gabriel Byrne, supported by intelligent direction, unforgettable atmosphere, and above all a brilliant script with a point to all points. A little cult film for everyone who can think while watching a film. (2007-06-02)