Watch Savages
- R
- 2012
-
6.4 (131,871)
Savages is a 2012 thriller film directed by Oliver Stone and based on Don Winslow's novel of the same name. The movie stars Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Taylor Kitsch, and Blake Lively in the lead roles. It is a story about a group of friends who become entangled in the world of drug trafficking. The film revolves around Ben (Aaron Taylor-Johnson), a philanthropist and botanist, who has developed a high-quality strain of marijuana along with his best friend Chon (Taylor Kitsch), a former Navy SEAL. Together, they run a successful business in Laguna Beach, California, that produces and distributes their product all over the country. Their lives take a dramatic turn when the ruthless leader of a Mexican drug cartel, Elena Sánchez (Salma Hayek), offers to partner with them to expand their business. When Ben and Chon refuse, Elena kidnaps their mutual love interest, Ophelia (Blake Lively), also known as "O," as a bargaining chip. To rescue O, Ben and Chon team up with a DEA agent, Dennis (John Travolta), and a crooked lawyer, Alex (Demian Bichir), to take down the cartel. However, as they dive deeper into the cartel's operations, they discover that the people they thought were their allies might not be as trustworthy as they seem. Savages is a stylish and violent thriller that explores the world of drug trafficking from different perspectives. The film showcases the brutality and greed of the Mexican drug cartels, the corruption within the law enforcement agencies, and the consequences of being involved in such a dangerous business. The movie's visual style is one of its strongest aspects, with Oliver Stone's signature fast-paced editing and use of vibrant colors to create a unique and immersive world. The soundtrack, featuring songs by artists like Bob Dylan and The Doors, perfectly complements the movie's tone and mood. The performances are also noteworthy, with Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Taylor Kitsch delivering convincing performances as two best friends with contrasting personalities. Blake Lively, despite her limited screen time, manages to hold her own as the female lead, bringing vulnerability and strength to her character. Salma Hayek is chilling as the ruthless drug lord, while John Travolta shines as the corrupt DEA agent. Overall, Savages is a gripping and intense thriller that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats till the very end. It is a movie that doesn't shy away from the harsh realities of the drug trade and its impact on people's lives. Oliver Stone's direction, coupled with the excellent performances by the cast, elevates the film beyond the standard action movie fare. Savages is a must-watch for fans of crime and suspense films.