Cast
View All
Billy Zane
as Robert Oates
Neil Newbon
as Rhys Powell
Michael Madsen
as J.T. Colt
Alexander Skarsgård
as Jergen Voller
Neil Jackson
as Sergeant Simkins
Tommy Flanagan
as Dennis Baker
Nick Moran
as Alan Ives
Laurence Fox
as Major Kessler
Rafe Spall
as David Wellings
Sean Pertwee
as Bill McMillan
Karel Roden
as Hans Beck
David Ginola
as Dieter Max
Todd Spangler
as Shannon
Dave Evans
as Private Meyer
Lauretta Lewis
as June
Crew
Director
- Colin Teague
Reviews
Wuchak
***Wannabe “Where Eagles Dare” mixed with a little “Kelly’s Heroes”***
During Operation Market Garden in German-occupied Holland (September, 1944), one small unit consisting of several Brits & one Canadian pilot (Billy Zane) vie for a cache of priceless art stolen from Berlin, but a couple Germans have the same idea (Karel Roden and Alexander Skarsgård). Laurence Fox plays a Nazi tasked with protecting the loot by the SS while Michael Madsen has a small role as an American Colonel.
A UK production, "The Last Drop" (2006) is a WW2 ‘B’ flick that borrows the basic premise of “Where Eagles Dare” (1968), albeit minus the castle, and meshes it with the heist element of “Kelly’s Heroes” (1970), as well as a bit of the humor (just a bit). Unfortunately, it’s nowhere near as compelling or entertaining, yet it’s not as bad as some reviews would suggest. Everyone whines about how “low-budget” it is but, while not of “blockbuster” caliber, it ain’t no Syfy production. And it scores pretty well on the female front.
On the downside the plot is complicated with too many players, not to mention the accents make the mumbled dialogue only half intelligible to non-Brits with, regrettably, no option for English subtitles on the disc.
The movie runs 1 hour, 43 minutes, and was shot in Bucharest, Romania.
GRADE: C+/B-
Dec 17, 2019
Thematic Analysis
This high-octane Action/Crime/History/War film balances spectacular sequences with character-driven moments. Unlike many films in the genre, The Last Drop distinguishes itself through a unique visual style and creative action choreography.
Director Colin Teague 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 2006, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of The Last Drop took approximately 13 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 103 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 144 minutes long.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 7 months to complete.
- Several scenes were filmed in multiple locations to capture the perfect setting.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
Historical Context
- In 2006, when this film is released:
- Digital technology was disrupting traditional media and entertainment.
- Environmental concerns were becoming more mainstream.
- Digital filmmaking technologies were transforming production processes and creating new opportunities.
How This Film Stands Out
While The Last Drop shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.
Unlike Hangmen Also Die!, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, The Last Drop subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.
While films like Salò, or the 120 Days of Sodom and Iwo Jima: 36 Days of Hell explore similar territory, The Last Drop stands apart through its distinctive directorial vision and pacing.
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: April 13, 2006
- Runtime: 1h 43m
