The Boondock Saints

This was a prime example of a treat. It’s such a shame that I never came across this film over the years because I really didn’t expect such a ride. Troy Duffy was a big unknown to me until now, but I now know he's a great director. He managed to create a film with minimal financial resources that boasts a charming lead duo, an amazing detective role by Dafoe (what he managed to portray, I truly didn't understand... I can only say bravo), and incredibly catchy Irish music, which really proves itself in films (like Kill the Irishman). The concept of removing bad people has likely appeared many times in history, but here it was handled in a refreshingly original way. Many might argue about the lack of action, but I disagree. It wasn’t that crucial (though the rope scene was definitely worth it, I can’t deny that). The film was primarily a perfect lesson in entertainment combined with the actors' impressive charisma, a smooth narrative, and spiced up with a few shootouts that even Tarantino would appreciate. It's just shy of five stars, but I might give it the highest score over time. 86%. (11/22/2017)

Excellent stuff. A film full of blood, violence, shooting, killing, wisecracks, praying and great acting performances... What more could you ask for in an action film? Willem Dafoe gives such a brilliant performance that I would have given him four Oscars in a heartbeat, I really loved him here and I loved him literally!! One big ride. 100% (02/08/2015)

Tarantino's poetics, a lot of violence peppered with hyperbole in places, "fuck" following every other word, brisk direction by Duffy with a few visual flourishes that erase the handicap of the basic script and the low budget. But I also have to partially agree with betelgeus, I am slowly getting tired of the Taratino clones. Not everyone can combine violence with absurd humour as well as Tarantino or Guy Ritchie. Duffy has only a few bright moments (especially the scene with the unfortunate butchering of the cat). PS: On the other hand, Dafoe in the role of a genius detective is brilliant! (08/09/2004)

All things considered, the film fell far short of my expectations. I was expecting more gore, more violence, more action. The film practically works in that vein all the time. The characters don't spare the macho bullshit about exterminating the mafia and how they’re not messing around, and there are all of three such scenes. Likewise, when the bad guys pick up some uber-slasher from the prison to rip him one, the viewer is in for a hell of a shootout. And yet this takes place in such a way that the three characters are unable to properly shoot the opponent standing in front of them, who in turn is unable to take them down. In addition, the story is very strange, with a few absolutely incomprehensible interjections (Dafoe like fuck) and so on. Fortunately, the first half contains quite a few good lines, and Willie is really pouring it on. Otherwise, wasted potential. (04/23/2010)

Those were the days when they didn't know how to do comic book stuff yet. If it had the aesthetic of a darker Marvel or normal DC today, it could be a blast. But The Boondock Saints has a bit of a blowhard Ritchie and a bit of a whiny Tarantino, with some solid screenwriting in places, but nothing more. The few interesting moments cannot overcome the utter aesthetic chaos and confusing directorial style. I’d be interested in a remake, because the material does have potential. (06/13/2021)