The Night Of The Juggler: Review. Re-release by Kino Lorber.

Probably boasting one of the longest chase scenes in film history, The Night of the Juggler has long hovered in cult obscurity, outshined by similar films Dog Day Afternoon and The Warriors. Thanks to a new 4K restoration, the film finally gets a proper showcase—complete with all its grime, tension, and unrelenting street-level paranoia intact.

The plot is a classic New York affair: A former cop’s daughter is mistakenly kidnapped by a deranged man who believes he’s nabbed a millionaire’s child. It’s easy for him to do so, the children are styled and look almost identical, which could perhaps could have lead to a weird Parent Trap style sequel. What follows is a relentless and at times unbelievable pursuit across Manhattan, with James Brolin’s Nick fiercely determined to retrieve his daughter by any means necessary. And I mean any means.. it’s a trains, planes and automobiles kinda situation (okay, maybe not trains).

What makes The Night of the Juggler stand out is its authentic depiction of Manhattan in the 80s which is not a pleasant one. Although effectively a hostage film, the depiction of the affects of property developers, lost businesses, community conflict and ultimately, poverty are expertly conveyed through the eyes of our kidnapper. The song ‘Open Letter (to a landlord’ by Living Colour was on repeat in my head whilst watching this film.

James Brolin gives an over the top performance, soaked in sweat and fury, while Cliff Gorman’s kidnapper is unsettling, ranging from sinister to lunacy gradually throughout the film. For those who like the outrageous, there’s an amazing sub-plot where an old foe of Brolin’s, a corrupt cop who Brolin took down, relentlessly hunts him on the streets, blasting through cafes with a shotgun… it’s a weird insertion and is laugh out loud funny at points.

Despite its cult status, The Night of the Juggler has long been underserved by home video. This 4K restoration not only corrects that oversight, it invites a reevaluation. Beneath its exploitation trappings lies a brutal city symphony, a proto-Falling Down on amphetamines. It’s an artefact of a city (and a genre) that no longer exists.

Final Verdict:

A raw, unrelenting urban thriller, newly revitalised. The Night of the Juggler in 4K is not just a cleaner print, it’s a resurrection. Recommended for fans of Death Wish, Taxi Driver, and the nastier corners of New York cinema.

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