Ninetoes vs Manipulation

Ninetoes got a screener of an upcoming thriller, Manipulation. The question is: was he thrilled, or did he come away feeling manipulated?

An omnipresent threat of manipulation looms over the world. It can emerge anywhere, at any time, and by any means.

Directed by David Balda

Written by David Balda, Marketa Hrubesova, and Vladimir Koubenec

Starring Pawel Lawrynowicz, Feodore Atkine, and Heino Ferch

Runtime: 2 hours 8 minutes

Hey there, movie lovers! It is your old pal, Ninetoes, coming to you from Ninetoes HQ. Today I am taking a look at David Balda’s Manipulation. I have popcorn in my system, and my thinking cap on, so let’s get to it!

First thing out the gate, this is a slow-burn movie. It is a story of good versus evil, where the lines of both sides are a bit blurred. Who are the good guys, who are the bad guys, and that just adds to the fun of watching this.

The theme of this movie smacks in the face of everyday life in the world, but in a more cloak-and-dagger setting. Manipulation. Vocabulary.com defines manipulation as: “the skillful handling, controlling, or using of something or someone.”  Trust me, there is a LOT of that going on in this movie, from the evilest to the most innocent. No one is safe, and everyone wants something. It is like watching a high-stakes chess match in a spy movie with the world at stake.

I have never heard of any of the actors, and that made the movie more interesting. Their performances were excellent across the board. I had also never heard of the director, David Balda, but now that I have seen his work, I will be on the lookout for more.

There is one aspect that bugged me, and please keep in mind this is coming from a 61-year-old man whose father was always saying, “You need a haircut”, and that was the lead actor’s hair. It was too long, but it also gave a “European” feel to it. I understand that the main character is a student, but the back of my mind kept wanting to go after him with a set of shears.

If you are into “Cat-and-Mouse” style movies full of intrigue, this is the movie for you. If you are into movies with a definite European setting, this movie is for you. If you are into movies with a dark undertone, this movie is for you.

I give this one 4 popcorn buckets out of 5!

Darren “Ninetoes” Perdue is a book and media reviewer. When he is not reading, he is watching true crime shows, cooking for his family, or working on a plan for universal domination. If you see him on his porch, say hi. He does not bite…much.

PLEASE NOTE: The views and opinions of the staff of Memento Mori Ink do not necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or Crystal Lake Publishing, nor do the views or opinions of Crystal Lake necessarily represent those of Memento Mori Ink or its staff. Thank you for understanding.