8 Mile

If you once liked Rocky and you still haven’t grown out of it, you’ll enjoy 8 Mile. But I found it a bit boring and too simple. That’s not the fault of either director Curtis Hanson or Eminem, but of the system that rules in the gritty neighborhoods of America’s big cities. (18.04.2003)

The incredibly banal, rudimentary story, which could be described in a few words, is certainly not the highlight of this film. Nevertheless, thanks to the skilful direction of an experienced filmmaker, it's quite a watchable affair that can be seen from several angles. For some it may be a self-celebratory ode to a famous rapper, for others an autobiographical story, or a clever producer's move to monetize what's hot right now. For me personally, all of the listed options together, plus a curious visit to a culturally and mentally distant environment where respect and esteem can be won in a rapper's duel, where a rich vocabulary and artfully put together words replace cords or fast colts at the waist. For one (but really only one) viewing, a passable piece of work. Summary: two and a half *. (13.08.2005)

Another long overdue film and I am very satisfied. The harsh setting of Detroit is portrayed believably, Eminem is cool and the only thing that disappointed me is that there weren't more Rap battles. Anyway, the finale is awesome. Anthony Mackie showed that he can handle the role of antagonist. 80% (07.05.2019)

The rough scene of a city full of disappointed souls unfortunately perfectly corresponds to the music style and culture that I hate, created around it, which naturally has to reflect in the evaluation. I acknowledge that the atmosphere of the short battles is breathtaking and thanks to Eminem's acting talent, it earns all the available points, but the ubiquitous mood simply doesn't resonate with me. Moreover, it's a shame that Curtis Hanson brought Kim Basinger from L.A. Confidential, as her role as an emotionally blackmailing mother doesn't fit, and her hysterical fit irritated me to the utmost in every scene. The significant scenes from the poor family gain a noticeable crack, which is even more unfortunate considering that the whole story can score even in details like the conversation with little Lily or the only glance in the mirror. The oppressive atmosphere and clever direction leave a more positive impression after it ends. 70% (02.06.2007)

A brutal and incredibly animalistic film, dominated by the excellent acoustic and rhythmic music and a phenomenal sex scene between Eminem and Brittany Murphy, who delivers an Oscar-worthy performance here, and surprisingly, even the good guy “Rabbit” is not bad at all in his acting debut. Curtis Hanson directs cunningly and thank God for him. The harsh and dirty backside of Detroit, depressing grayness, and tough guys. This is no family cliché, 8 Mile is a mature film about a person's struggle with their own inner self, about the desire to prove that there is something more. It’s the Rocky of the new millennium, but more effective, more stimulating, more dynamic, more aware, and in a few decades it will be equally nostalgic. Almost a perfect score. (02.11.2003)

Even though this is primarily a movie about music, there is also an absolutely fantastic depiction of what it looks like in Detroit. And actually, "8 Mile" is still quite kind. Just look at what people drive here, where they work, and then connect it with the fact that a few years later everything went to hell even more. By the way, burning houses is also a certain tradition in this strange city. It's nothing exceptional. Otherwise, it's a pretty human story, maybe quite cliché, but still dramatic and powerful. And the music just leads the way! (25.11.2013)