Chiko [DVD]

Street smart Chiko (Denis Moschitto) dreams of a successful life within the drug trade, setting his sights on a job with the violent local drug lord, Brownie (Moritz Bleibtreu). His task is to sell a shed load of herbs within a short time period and he must accomplish this task by only supplying from a designated flat and not on the streets.His best friend Tibet (volkan Ozcan), is a liability who can't grasp the big picture, he breaks the rules by skimming profits before getting caught red-handed selling drugs at a local schoolyard. Drug Lord Brownie's swift retribution for disobeying orders is a nail in the foot for the hapless Tibet. This drives a wedge between the two friends that rears its ugly head later on when Chiko becomes Brownie's successful cocaine lieutenant and Tibet sinks into a drug-fuelled anger that manifests itself in revenge.Ozgur Yildirim's directorial debut displays a fascination with the day-to-day workings of a drug business that gives a fierce veracity. The violence on display is abrupt, intense and intimate with a raft of bass-heavy tunes that serve as a sonic equivalent to the rivalry between the two main protagonists. Bleibtreu seems to have particular fun with the psychopathic Brownie; thesping authentically sells the complicated emotional chaos of ambition, desperation and fear.Although the script is a bit predictable, there is one genuine plot shock, some vicious fight scenes, one piece of horrific violence, several memorable tense sequences and plenty of snappy editing in the style of Scorsese. If you like gangster flicks then you should really be thinking about purchasing this raw German/Turkish gem, it's definitely the most entertaining piece of cinema from this part of europe that i've seen since Run Lola Run.

This film is great! Saw it abroad not too long ago and thought it's fantastic. So pleased it's coming out over here on DVD now too!