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U Turn
1997 125 min France, United States of America R 18+
★6.6
Crime, Drama, Thriller, Romance
Director: Oliver Stone
🎭 Based on
«Stray Dogs»
byJohn Ridley
Trailers
Description
When a desperate man’s car breaks down in a bizarre desert town while evading vengeful bookies, he becomes entangled in a dangerous love triangle. Caught between a married couple, he’s faced with deadly contracts to kill them both.
Budget:
$19M
US Gross:
$6.68M
Worldwide:
$6.68M
Starring
Sean Penn
Actor
Jennifer Lopez
Actor
Nick Nolte
Actor
Awards
Razzie Awards 1998
— Worst Director
Key opinion
U Turn is a polarizing, hyper-stylized crime thriller that functions as a dark, frantic descent into madness. While many viewers are enthralled by its relentless momentum and strong performances, others criticize its cynical tone and lack of sympathetic characters.
| Acting | Sean Penn anchors the film with a raw, committed lead performance, supported by a standout, transformative turn from Billy Bob Thornton. | |
| Cinematography | The cinematography and editing are praised for their bold, kinetic visual style, effectively capturing the oppressive, surreal atmosphere of the Arizona desert setting. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is divisive: some find the plot's descent into absurd, twist-filled cruelty deeply engaging, while others dismiss the lack of relatable characters as gratuitous and nihilistic. | |
| Pacing | The film's aggressive pacing and frenetic energy create a polarizing experience: supporters find it a hypnotic, high-octane ride, while critics feel it becomes wearying and repetitive as the narrative accumulates layers of despair. |