When Ben Kenobi said about Mos Eisley that “You will never find a more wrethced hive of scum and villainy” he clearly had never been to Sin City. Based on three of Frank Miller’s Graphic Novels, Director Robert Rodriguez gives us a digital labour of love that is as visually striking as it’s subject matter is nasty.

Set in fictional Basin City, crime and corruption is running rampant with heroes being few and far between. ‘That Yellow Bastard’ tells the 8 year journey of Hartigan (Willis), an honest cop who is retiring due to a heart condition. Before he retires Hartigan must rescue 11 year old Nancy from a serial paedophile, a quest which will cost him everything.

‘The Hard Goodbye’ sees Mickey Rourke in a career defining role as Marv, a feroucious hulk of a man who is on a rampage to find the killer of Goldie, the woman he loves.

‘The Big Fat Kill’ Former murderer Dwight (Clive Owen) has to take on the crooked law (Del Toro) and mob boss to help the ladies of the night regain control of Old City.

Sin City has to be seen to be believed. Shot in HD Digital, the pages of the comic book come to life as the frames are delivered to us in sweaty black & white with a few choice coloured highlights. Despite the lack of colour each scene is rich with detail and mood. Rodriguez deserves the level of praise lavished on Peter Jackson for his Lord of the Rings trilogy for this is a masterpiece in filmaking. The cast too deserve accolades, Rourke is unbelievably impressive, with Willis, Del Toro and Owen also in fine form.

This movie is a must have as it is deserved on many repeat viewings but be warned - a Directors Cut is on its way!

THE EXTRAS

A behind the scenes featurette- very dissapointing seeing as how much effort has gone into the production of this unique looking film. I can only hope that there is far more in store for us with the Directors cut release.

CONCLUSION

Director Robert Rodriguez gives us a full blown apology for “Once Upon a Time in Mexico” with what is my favourite film for 2005. Rodriguez along with his impressive cast deliver what is undeniably the most faithful comic adaptation ever!