Pusher - DVD

Film: Frank (Richard Coyle) is in deep fucking trouble. His little career as a drug dealer has actually been going pretty well so far. But then Frank wanted to pull off a really big deal. But to do so, he needed the help of drug lord Milo (Zlatko Buric) to lend him the dope he wants to sell. Milo, who has always been able to rely on Frank, agrees to lucrative conditions for him, but also makes it clear what will happen to him if Milo does not get his money immediately. Everything looks like a surefire deal that will go over quickly and easily. But then the police show up at the drop-off and Frank is left with only one choice: he must destroy the drugs in the city park lake. So he escapes arrest, but is now deep in debt to Milo. And he has little time to find the money and figure out who ratted him out...

In 1996, Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) delivered his impressive directorial debut with Pusher, which featured Mads Mikkelsen in his first major role. The hard-hitting thriller soon became a cult film, and the filmmaker followed it up with two more sequels. Now, over 15 years after the original, Refn has produced a remake, with Spanish director Luis Prieto behind the camera. The plot has been moved to London, but remains true to the original at its core. Still, Prieto has tried to give his version a stylistic touch all its own, and he's certainly succeeded. Admittedly, the whole thing lacks the very special kick that made Refn's first novel so special. Nevertheless, even the slightly weaker remake can undoubtedly be called successful.

This, however, is not only due to the staging, but also to the choice of the main actor. Richard Coyle, known from such diverse works as the sitcom Coupling, the fantasy film Prince of Persia or the monster comedy Grabbers, has at first glance so nothing in common with his Danish counterpart Mads Mikkelsen. And even if he doesn't come across as edgy as Mikkelsen, Coyle convinces with a good mixture of toughness, charm and ruthlessness. This makes Frank a very interesting character who carries the film effortlessly.

But the supporting characters are also well cast throughout. Of particular interest to fans of the original should be that Zlatko Buric reprises his role of Milo from Nicolas Winding Refn's three Pusher films with his usual conviction in the remake. But also Bronson Webb as Frank's loopy partner Tony or model Agyness Deyn as Frank's girlfriend Flo can convince in the action shot in the London district of Stoke Newington.

In direct comparison, the original is indeed preferable to the remake. But on its own terms, Luis Prietos offers enough suspense, entertainment value and engaging visual style to be recommended even to connoisseurs of the original. Worth seeing!

Picture + Sound: Since only a data-reduced press sample was available for testing, no rating can be given here about the final picture and sound quality.

Extras: As a bonus, there is only the trailer for the film and other program tips from the provider.

Conclusion: Pusher is an accomplished remake that doesn't quite match the power and grit of the original, but is altogether convincing thanks to its fine lead actor and engaging visuals. Richard Coyle takes on a tough legacy, but gives the role that Mads Mikkelsen once played so intensely his own very engaging touch. In direct comparison, the original is admittedly preferable. But on its own terms, the 2012 version of Pusher is a tense, stylish thriller that keeps you riveted until the finale. Recommended

An article by Frankfurt-Tipp