Paramount Pictures, Rated R
Directed by Martin Scorcese
Written by Paul Schrader based on the novel by Joe Connelly

Martin Scorcese's latest work is an interesting study on the nature of life and death and what it takes to save people on the brink of both. Frank Pierce (Nicolas Cage) is a paramedic working Gotham's Hell's Kitchen. He's become burned out and haunted by visions of the people he's tried to save. He meets a woman, Mary (Patricia Arquette), whose father is brought into the hospital and he soon falls in love with her, despite the fact that she has a shady past. There is also talk of a strange new drug that may be causing deaths around the area. Frank also has some interesting partners: Larry (John Goodman), even more burned out than Frank; Marcus (Ving Rhames), a man filled with the joy of Jesus; and Tom (Tom Sizemore) who is just-plain-crazy.
Much is pondered in this film, and life and death are certainly motifs. When twins are delivered and only one lives, we see the fragility of life. Mary also says at one point that she would do anything to see her father again, but at the same time there is a drug dealer whom no one would miss in just as much danger of death. The results of this are one of the most thought-provoking parts of the film.
The film deals with some weighty issues but at times plays like an average episode of "ER." Still, there is lots to enjoy and think about here and all of the performances are outstanding. Rhames and Arquette stand out especially. It's not a film to view just any day but it is another great film by Scorcese, one of our best directors. *** 1/2

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