Kansas City
1934. The mob played Kansas City like a smooth jazz riff. Until one woman started to improvise.
The mob runs the dice games, prostitutes, cops and politicians. And no one messes with them.
But when a small time hood gets the bright idea to knock over a buddy of the city's top gangster, a club owner named Seldom Seen (Harry Belafonte), he crosses the wrong man and finds himself in deeper trouble than he could ever imagine. Now it's up to Blondie O'Hara (Jennifer Jason Leigh), his tough-talking girlfriend, to come to his rescue. Her solution? Kidnap a wealthy presidential advisor's wife (Miranda Richardson) and swap her for her boyfriend.
Kidnapping, murder and mayhem - all fueled by the most impressive, star-studded cinematic jazz sessions ever shown on screen.
Member Reviews
Yet another underrated Altman movie - Seni
I found this movie to have a solid plot about a woman trying to save her boyfiend, a petty thief, from certain death at the hands of gangsters. Beautifully shot, it may not be one of Altman's best movies, but it is certainly a solid one and is a more straightforward story that some of his others. It is certainly not faced paced for a story that takes place in the criminal world.
Nonetheless, it weaves the political and criminal worlds together based around the relationship that develops between the two main characters is interesting. It is the ending that is striking and unexpected which makes the film worthwhile.
JJL's character does seem overplayed, but apparently that was done on purpose since she was supposed to be a woman who based her mannerisms on that of movie stars of the period.Altman in a minor key - YKdvd
I've seen this a couple of times, and while it is certainly worthwhile viewing, I've had trouble warming up to it completely, although Robert Altman is one of my favorite filmmakers. A couple of the reviews I've seen for Kansas City emphasize the connection between the jazz music of the film and the style and tone Altman uses, and in that vein perhaps I'm just not "in tune" with this particular piece - it seems slightly distant or brittle to me. For general viewers, I would suggest watching another Altman ensemble piece such as "Short Cuts" before moving on to "Kansas City".not his best - howling_dave
Great music, cool cars, pretty good cinematography, good costumes and scenery, the acting....meh. JJL seems particularly inept. I found this film irritating to watch...and too long. I did not even recognize Belafonte; he did a passable black version of Brando's Don Corleone. I would not waste my time though..there are plenty of beter films to pass an evening with.
Member Reviews
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Yet another underrated Altman movie - Seni
I found this movie to have a solid plot about a woman trying to save her boyfiend, a petty thief, from certain death at the hands of gangsters. Beautifully shot, it may not be one of Altman's best movies, but it is certainly a solid one and is a more straightforward ...Altman in a minor key - YKdvd
I've seen this a couple of times, and while it is certainly worthwhile viewing, I've had trouble warming up to it completely, although Robert Altman is one of my favorite filmmakers. A couple of the reviews I've seen for Kansas City emphasize the connection ...not his best - howling_dave
Great music, cool cars, pretty good cinematography, good costumes and scenery, the acting....meh. JJL seems particularly inept. I found this film irritating to watch...and too long. I did not even recognize Belafonte; he did a passable black version of Brando's ...