That life was so close to never happening

Some may say I am a bit biased towards some actors. I don't mind that as long as we are talking here about actors like Edward Norton. I consider Ed Norton as one of the finest actors of his generation. I am astounded often by his ease of expression and his powerful clear dialogue deliveries. I enjoyed all the movies that I had watched of him - be it American History X, Primal Fear, Illusionist or Fight Club. He was strong reason enough for me going for 25th Hour - a movie released in 2002 directed by Spike Lee. Did I like it? Hell yes. Rarely had I watched a movie that left me so emotional that I could not sleep thinking about it that night. Not exaggerated, not for me. This movie probably has the most disturbing ending of all that I had watched so far.

The movie depicts the last 24 hours of freedom of convicted drug dealer Monty Brogan (Ed Norton) before he begins his 7 year old imprisonment. The movie basically about the choices one make and their consequences. During the last night of freedom, Monty wants to enjoy a party with his two best friends - Frank Slattery (Barry Pepper), a NY stock broker and Jakob Elinsky (Philip Seymour Hoffman), an English teacher. The movie also illustrates the choices that these two of Monty's friends were presented by life and the ones they chose to accept. As for Monty "One wrong choice... one last night... 24 hours to live a lifetime". But little do the audiences know that they will be presented with such a shocking and disturbing ending to this otherwise looking simple movie.

Yes the movie does have some deregatory comments against some communities and individuals including one Indian community. But those were just indicative about the fact that no-one except him or herself is responsible for what one does to his or her life. For me, for a moment, I really wished Monty would live that life. I wish he would have made a right choice !!!