Movie Review: Asphalt City

 Michael’s Movie Grade: B

A very well-made but depressing movie. 

Some films ask a lot from their audience this one often asks more than most audiences are willing to give. The story of this movie revolves around a new paramedic and his older more experienced partner. The young paramedic starts with high ideals and a desire to save people. However, as the weight of the job begins to wear on him, he finds himself becoming a different person. This movie does an excellent job of putting us in the shoes of this character. Through much of the film we feel his pain, shock and disillusionment. Much of the time these feelings feel overwhelming and almost more than we care bare, the way they do for him. We begin to see things through his eyes and connect with him on a very deep level. Though there are some graphically bloody scenes here, the most disturbing and unsettling part of this film is that we see the dark side of human nature in full force. The well achieved realism to these scenes is so well done that again it can become very hard to watch. We long for just one person to thank our protagonists but instead we get strings of curse words and insults that are all too real for us. This movie also benefits from excellent visual filmmaking. The uses of montage are excellently done and bring us fully into the main character's mental state. 

However, even the most depressing films need a little relief for their audiences. After all there is only so much pain and discomfort an audience can stand. This movie crosses that line quite a few times and can often be more pain than most movie goers are willing to sit through. This movie also has a forced and predictable ending that feels out of place with how real the rest of this film feels. 

This is a very well-done movie. However, it is one that is easier to appreciate than it is to actually like. I am glad I saw this movie, but I don't think I could ever handle watching it again.