Carlos (2009)

Featured Audience Ratings

• Tsubaki S

  
  A "revolutionary" without a huge ego is not a real revolutionary.

• Cynthia S

  
  First of all, this is very well done, and I did like it...but this is a VERY detailed biopic. The first 2 parts of this mini-series is first-rate, exciting material. Edgar Ramirez does an excellent, and fearless job, capturing the many contradictions of Carlos (aka The Jackal). But… More
  First of all, this is very well done, and I did like it...but this is a VERY detailed biopic. The first 2 parts of this mini-series is first-rate, exciting material. Edgar Ramirez does an excellent, and fearless job, capturing the many contradictions of Carlos (aka The Jackal). But the final part of the series eventually gets bogged down in repetitive scenes of Carlos behaving like a pig towards women, living on the lam, and venting his frustration. I also found some of the assasinations, and double-crosses, in this section confusing - not 100% sure who was doing what to whom, or why. By the end, it's clear the toll that Carlos life has taken on him and the people around him, but I was definitely ready for them to wrap it up....

• Jeff "

  
  Carlos The Jackal was one of the most famed terrorists the world has ever known. Director Oliver Assayas film or mini series, depending on your opinion of it is is an electrifying portrait of of one of the worlds most dangerous and enigmatic terrorists. Illich Ramrez Sanchez aka… More
  Carlos The Jackal was one of the most famed terrorists the world has ever known. Director Oliver Assayas film or mini series, depending on your opinion of it is is an electrifying portrait of of one of the worlds most dangerous and enigmatic terrorists. Illich Ramrez Sanchez aka Carlos The Jackal.Edgar Ramrez is phenomenal as Carlos and he delivers the performance of his career. Carlos is a well executed mini series that also plays out like a film. The cast aside Ramrez is terrific as well. For thoise interested in the exploits of this elusive terrorist, Carlos is a must see film. The film or mini series is a near flawless portrait of this intriguing figure. The defining moment in the film that stands out was the 1975 OPEC hostage crisis in Vienna which gained Carlos The Jackal the notoriety he is known for. The film is a mix of drama and thriller. Director Assayas has crafted an excellent film that examines this elusive terrorist and the story is engaging and keeps the viewer involved. There are two versions of this flm, one is the 3 hour film, and the other is the 5 and a half hour mini series. I preferred the 5 hour version because it had a lot more detail to the story of Carlos The Jackal. Like I said Edgar Ramrez is excellent here and he really brings something special to the screen. It's hard to picture someone else in the role of Calos The Jackal. This is a must see film, and depending on the version you choose, you'll get a much broader portrait if you watch the 5+ version. Either way, both versions are good. A memorable and worthy addition to the lists of films dealing with terrorism.

• Carlos M

  
  Edgar Ramirez is outstanding in this riveting political biopic that explores the ambiguous nature of the revolutionary terrorist Carlos the Jackal, a man fervently devoted to a cause but also an egomaniacal mercenary wanting to hold power over those around him. Even more fascinating… More
  Edgar Ramirez is outstanding in this riveting political biopic that explores the ambiguous nature of the revolutionary terrorist Carlos the Jackal, a man fervently devoted to a cause but also an egomaniacal mercenary wanting to hold power over those around him. Even more fascinating is seeing how the character struggles to adapt to the many changes that keep occurring in the world along twenty years. A remarkable film, but make sure you watch the full 330-minute version, not the condensed one.

• Pedro H

  
  <i> The man who hijacked the world.</i> A little <b>puzzling</b> but rather intresting, and personally this movie was big to me The story is rather puzzling and confusing as it tells the story of how Carlos, became the worlds most wanted terrorist. personaly… More
  <i> The man who hijacked the world.</i> A little <b>puzzling</b> but rather intresting, and personally this movie was big to me The story is rather puzzling and confusing as it tells the story of how Carlos, became the worlds most wanted terrorist. personaly its rather a long movie, and Oliver Assayas takes a edgey risk into making this movie succesfull but in the end it works out <b> This movie had a big personal effect on me, because i sat down with Edgar Ramirez and we talked for a long time, he gave me hints and tips on becoming a succesful actor, and i really am considering using his hints because his work turned out amazing.</b> It was an honor to meet him, a friendly person, and an amazing actor as we can see in this movie. Either then that a very confussing yet intresting movie behind the PLO and serves as an auto-fictional-biography of the worlds most famous terrorist. If you are intrested in these type of movies, take the risk, you will enjoy it. <u>Carlos</u> : <i> Didnt they teach you this in Venezuela </i>

• Stella D

  
  i watched the 5 hour version and i thought it was terrific but alot probably depends on your level of interest in the subject matter. things slow down in the 3rd act as carlos spends many years in hiding. still fascinating stuff with a powerhouse performance from edgar ramirez as… More
  i watched the 5 hour version and i thought it was terrific but alot probably depends on your level of interest in the subject matter. things slow down in the 3rd act as carlos spends many years in hiding. still fascinating stuff with a powerhouse performance from edgar ramirez as the womanizing egomaniacal international terrorist for hire called carlos the jackal

• Alireza M

  
  If i was supposed to rate the directing, i would rate it higher than 4.But the movie itself isnt good in my opinion.its too straight forward,rhythm is too fast and bunch of killings and bloody scenes isnt enough.The main problem is that Carlos has been made for tv and as a movie its… More
  If i was supposed to rate the directing, i would rate it higher than 4.But the movie itself isnt good in my opinion.its too straight forward,rhythm is too fast and bunch of killings and bloody scenes isnt enough.The main problem is that Carlos has been made for tv and as a movie its too long and boring.

• Gordon A

  
  Ramirez is magnetic in the lead but even the 'short' 2hr 30min version dragged for me after the intense OPEC hijacking. If nothing else the second half illustrates the shocking fluidity of international relations as Carlos is shuttled from pillar to post.

• Donnie D

  
  Carlos is not only a lengthy movie (or a 3 part miniseries if you seen it on television) it`s one of finest character driven movie i've ever seen. With a great execution and a outstanding performance from Edgar Ramirez of the title character and real life terrorists. Carlos… More
  Carlos is not only a lengthy movie (or a 3 part miniseries if you seen it on television) it`s one of finest character driven movie i've ever seen. With a great execution and a outstanding performance from Edgar Ramirez of the title character and real life terrorists. Carlos accomplished the impossible and made a 3+ hour movie entertaining from beginning to end. Carlos has a lot of story that a simple summary can`t give you a broad idea of the movie. Part one focuses on Carlos who's involved with a series of terrorist attacks in London and then Paris. I enjoyed the first half as it details Ilich Ramirez Sanchez who adapts the name of Carlos and is portrayed by the excellent Edgar Ramirez. We get to see Carlos early successes and failures, how he carefully assemble a team and plans the terrorist attacks, and we get to learn about Carlos himself by his action and through intelligent dialogue. Carlos is a very dynamic character who gets better as the movie goes on and makes this political epic a blast no matter what your views on politics are. Speaking of dialogue, the characters do speak in different languages throughout the whole movie which will bother some viewers. It also contains most of the violence in this miniseries. It doesn't take away anything from the quality of the movie as it`s still keeps your interest no matter what. Part one is a great start to this lengthy feature and continues to get better. Part two of Carlos mostly details one of the most the most infamous of terrorist attack in 1975. Carlos who took control OPEC headquarters and took several of it ministers as well as delegates. He then attempt to take them to a certain location by plane with the intentions to gained what he's fighting for, but fails due to several difficulties and continues his work despite this massive failure. This part of the movie was the best in terms of dialogue and cinematography. Every scene is shot so nicely that you'll lose yourself in the movie universe. The performances are remarkable and adds a whole new level of realism to the experience. At this point the movie has thrown many characters and plots line at you that it`s easy to lose track. Thanks to Olivier Assayas direction I found it effective how he brings in a new plotline without making the already complex plot lost to the audience. The third and final part of Carlos was the weakest. It mainly focuses on his decline as a terrorist and the effects it has on his life. The final part is not as well done as Carlos does a lot the same throughout this part, like constantly complaining to his wife. As disappointing at it was, I felt that it was the most important and dynamic to the character. We see him struggling and declining in size of his operation. On its own it`s easily the weakest of the three entry, but as whole it brings a solid and satisfying conclusion to the movie. It has a lot beautiful location and everything is just thrilling about this masterpiece. As for accuracy I can't say much about it other than the real life Carlos disliked this movie and wanted it banned from theaters. He did so unsuccessfully in court, while these attacks can be seen differently by your political agenda and how feel about the terrorist himself. There is no denying how good it is we have this monster (in my opinion at least) locked away. Carlos is a very lengthy, detailed masterpiece driven by a character and handle with care and a dedicated direction. It`s 3+ hour length might too much for some, but those who are wanting a deep, complex, and fascinating experience will find it here no matter what you think the real life figure.

• Glenn G

  
  It's quite a commitment to watch all 5 hours and 19 minutes of CARLOS, but I'm really glad I did. Here is a pretty staggering accomplishment, tracing two decades in the life of the infamous terrorist, the "Jackal". Director Olivier Assayas and Writer Dan Franck… More
  It's quite a commitment to watch all 5 hours and 19 minutes of CARLOS, but I'm really glad I did. Here is a pretty staggering accomplishment, tracing two decades in the life of the infamous terrorist, the "Jackal". Director Olivier Assayas and Writer Dan Franck don't seem interested in telling a story filled with grand emotions, but instead take a very cool, slightly French New Wave approach to their story. Lots of jump-cutting, quick short scenes, and cutaways from those "big dramatic moments" add up to an incredibly brisk experience. Edgar Ramirez gives one of those unforgettable performances right up there with Pacino in THE GODFATHER or DeNiro in TAXI DRIVER, and it feels like he's done it without breaking a sweat. It's a cool performance steeped in narcissism so deep, I felt like I was watching a West Hollywood gay making love to a mirror for hours on end. In fact, one early scene pretty much shows us that. It's a starmaking performance, and I'm thrilled that cinema has such a worthy replacement for some of the great stars. The key to this is that most of this film is set in the 70s and 80s, when terrorism really started to take hold, but when airports still had such dangerous security flaws as outdoor viewing decks. By putting Ramirez in such a beautifully rendered period piece, he emerges as an instant, iconic, great star. It almost feels like he's been a star for decades when you watch him here. Much of the film is told in a clinical fashion. No hand-holding here. You have to keep up and read a lot of subtitles (some of them poorly rendered)...and the film is in so many languages (English, Spanish, French, German, and more) that staying focused can be exhausting. It's worth it though. Some of the big set pieces blew me away, such as the raid on OPEC leaders and the subsequent hijacking of a DC-9. They are directed with such precision, it reminded me of DOG DAY AFTERNOON with its attention to detail and realism. Think Sidney Lumet meets Godard for the type of film that is CARLOS. These are not your perfect terrorists out of a comic book movie, but instead they forget shit like parking lot tickets, how to properly aim a rocket launcher, how to calculate the distance a plane can fly, or sometimes their guns jam. One cohort of Carlos', a scary female revolutionary is so dangerous, yet she loses her cool so wonderfully, and provides an astute counterpoint to Carlos' supposed dedication to the pro-Palestinian cause. It becomes clear in this important scene that Carlos is more of an opportunist and that the biggest revolution he fights is his own ego and ensuing "fame". Due to its length and aesthetic, CARLOS is not for everybody. It can become tiring trying to keep up, and the last third (his downfall) is as wearying as it must have been for Carlos himself. When he becomes a man without a country, without anyone who loves him anymore, you just want it to stop. Ramirez's physical transformation reminded me of DeNiro in RAGING BULL, and it's equally astonishing to see him go from physically perfect to extremely bloated. By this point in the film, he seems drunk with power and lost in his beliefs. There are several nods to the great films of the 70s, including THE GODFATHER, when Carlos is chasing after a child in a garden. The music in this film is a wild mix of different cultures, including some great 80s music like THE LIGHTNING SEEDS and THE CURE. It all added up to a completely immersive, thrilling film experience.

• Danny R

  
  Director Olivier Assayas's brilliant and extraordinary five and half hour biopic on the infamous 1970s terrorist "Carlos the Jackal," is a gripping cinematic experience, Carlos was born Ilich Ramirez Sanchez in 1949 in Venezuela, character actor Edgar Ramirez delivers a… More
  Director Olivier Assayas's brilliant and extraordinary five and half hour biopic on the infamous 1970s terrorist "Carlos the Jackal," is a gripping cinematic experience, Carlos was born Ilich Ramirez Sanchez in 1949 in Venezuela, character actor Edgar Ramirez delivers a staggeringly complex, star-making performance in four languages as "Carlos," capturing his misplaced charisma that made him a media superstar and the most wanted and feared terrorist in the world, he was a member of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine during Black September, clad in his revolutionary uniform of the day, sunglasses, beret, and black leather jacket, he stormed the 1975 OPEC conference in Vienna in a raid that was commissioned by Saddam Hussein. He hijacked a jet with his cohorts and kidnapped several oil ministers, murdered two French agents and a alleged informer, the list on his crimes goes on and on, Carlos was also a notorious womanizer who seduced females and discarded them when they were no longer of use to him, Carlos lived with several identities under various pseudonyms until his capture. Since 1997 Carlos has been in a Parisian prison serving life for murder, this film is an epic achievement thanks to Assayas's expert direction and his incredible eye for period detail, and of course Ramirez's mesmerizing lead performance, a must-see film. Note: there are two versions of this film, the complete 330-minute cut and the shorter 165- theatrical cut. In English, Spanish and Arabic, with subtitles. Highly Recommended.

• Jonny C

  
  I actually watched the 3 part TV version of the this not the condensed cinema release. It tells the story of Terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, better known as Carlos the Jackal, and the rise and fall of his career. Edgar Ramirez gave an extraordinary performance as Carlos, and the… More
  I actually watched the 3 part TV version of the this not the condensed cinema release. It tells the story of Terrorist Ilich Ramírez Sánchez, better known as Carlos the Jackal, and the rise and fall of his career. Edgar Ramirez gave an extraordinary performance as Carlos, and the direction was always enthralling and the story never cut corners. The authenticity of the sets added to the whole experience with the attention to detail being second to none. Overall. Well worth your consideration.

• cody f

  
  Beautifully shot and well acted mini series on Carlos The Jackal and terrorism in the 70's. Their are two versions of this film,the 2.5 hour and 5 hour versions. DO NOT WATCH THE 2 HOUR VERSION! It is a waste of time and will leave you empty. I loved the way this film looks,very… More
  Beautifully shot and well acted mini series on Carlos The Jackal and terrorism in the 70's. Their are two versions of this film,the 2.5 hour and 5 hour versions. DO NOT WATCH THE 2 HOUR VERSION! It is a waste of time and will leave you empty. I loved the way this film looks,very authentic and defiantly has a 70's feel to the cinematography. Edgar Ramirez is amazing as Carlos, and I look forward to his future work. *Plot Spoilers*The first part of the film is about Carlo's rise in the 70's from protester to extreme and feared terrorist. The second half Carlos becomes a dying breed in the cause dying 80's as all of his compatriots either die,go to jail or just settle. I watched this film over three weekends (1 part per weekend) and I believe that was a mistake. Their are too many characters and the plot moves very fast and you can get confused if you watch it in long intervals. I thought the series ended with a whimper,but overall I liked the aggressive effort and I really think it could have been longer. Very enjoyable and again Edger Ramirez gives one of the best performances of 2010.

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