Largo Winch - Deadly Revenge

Based on the comic book series and novels by Philippe Francq and Jean Van Hamme, Largo Winch kicks off like a regular action flick, but gets more complex and ambitious as the story progresses.

When billionaire Nerio Winch, founder of the powerful ‘W Group’ is found dead, it is uncertain as to who is to inherit his financial empire, as no immediate heir can be traced. But Nerio had a well kept secret which now comes to light: thirty years ago, he adopted a son, Largo (Tomer Sisley) from a Bosnian orphanage. Rightful heir and the obvious new head of a global firm, the claim to his corporate throne is hampered by various obstacles. The first obstacle finds Largo suddenly thrown into a prison deep in the Amazon for drug trafficking, after helping out a damsel in distress. But Largo is the last of a dying breed: an adventurer, assassin, killer, maverick and an international playboy. Suffice to say his days behind bars are numbered, as soon he’s out to avenge his father’s death and fight for what’s rightfully his.

Unfortunately, there are several individuals who don’t seem too pleased with Largo taking over, including Ann Ferguson (Kristen Scott Thomas - The English Patient, Nowhere Boy), Stephan Marcus (Steven Waddington – Sleepy Hollow, The Tudors) and Mikhail Korsky (Karel Roden – 15 Minutes, Rockn Rolla). Each of them has their own reasons as to why Largo shouldn’t be granted what is rightfully his.

The film has, as far as comic book adaptations go, a great deal to offer, namely a complex plot that’s a good balance between fickle corporate backstabbing and feisty action scenes that one minute take place in South America and the next in Hong Kong, Croatia, France and so on. The downside is that the language seems to change with every different location. While the main language is English, there are entire scenes where the language suddenly switches to French or Croatian (with English subtitles) and it’s as confusing as the constant flashbacks to Largo’s childhood.
Other than that, Largo Winch – Deadly Revenge is great entertainment with stunning location shots and excellent acting all round, although the DVD-Extras are somewhat on the thin side, with only a trailer as bonus.