Cast
View All
Christopher Lambert
as Lou
Ice-T
as Vincent Moon
Michael Halsey
as Marcus
Deborah Van Valkenburgh
as Cam
Tina Cote
as Barbie
Yuji Okumoto
as Hoss
Thom Mathews
as Crow
Kimberly Warren
as D
Hunter Doughty
as Lucy
Jerry Rector
as Bob
James Wellington
as Ricky
Hoke Howell
as Commissioner Galloner
James Mathers
as Jerry Montegna
Milan Nicksic
as Kobolski
Jahi J.J. Zuri
as Blondie
Crew
Director
- Albert Pyun
Writer
- Andrew Whitham
Producer
- Gary Schmoeller
- Tom Karnowski
- Andrew Whitham
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/Thriller film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, Mean Guns distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Albert Pyun brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 1997, the film exists within a cultural context that now offers viewers historical perspective on the social issues of that era. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Mean Guns took approximately 11 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 110 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 170 minutes long.
- The musical score contains over 76 unique compositions.
- The film contains approximately 1247 individual shots.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 1997, when this film was released:
- Digital technology was transforming the entertainment industry.
- The end of the Cold War was reshaping global politics.
- Independent cinema was growing in influence, challenging the dominance of major studios.
How This Film Stands Out
While Mean Guns shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike The Fifth Element, which focuses more on action than character development, Mean Guns offers a fresh perspective through its innovative visual language and narrative structure.
While films like Yaksha: Ruthless Operations and Follow Me explore similar territory, Mean Guns stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.
This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its bold artistic choices and willingness to challenge viewer expectations, making it a valuable addition to its genre.
Details
- Release Date: November 21, 1997
- Runtime: 1h 50m
Where to Watch
