- Directors: Josef Rusnak
- Region: All Regions
- Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars See all reviews (39 customer reviews)
- ASIN: B005WJHPHK
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A curious letter left by a murdered colleague leads computer scientist Douglas Hall (Craig Bierko) to investigate the mysterious circumstances. Hall finds a portal to a parallel cyber-world that resembles the 1930s, and when he becomes a suspect in the murder, he enters this cyberworld and finds many surprises. A film filled with atmosphere that leaves you wondering what is real and what isn't. Also starring Armin Mueller-Stahl and Vincent D'Onofrio.
Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
14 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By M. R. Hudson
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Most of my views on this film have already been put very effectively by other reviews. Thus: the "predictable" twists still work (and I didn't predict most of them!), the performances are well judged if subtle, and the atmosphere and production values (mostly) lift themselves above the genre and the budget. The movie is indeed worthy to be judged alongside The Matrix, plus or minus, and in my opinion slightly plus, although I did rate The Matrix highly. I'd also like to add that The Thirteenth Floor is an unusually, and genuinely, moral and humanistic tale, for something that is basically entertainment. I cannot reveal exactly why I hold this opinion without generating plot spoilers, but this aspect should not be difficult to spot. Finally, who else thinks there is a final possible twist right the end, and why do we not see more of the delicately beautiful Gretchen Mol?
20 of 21 people found the following review helpful
By T D Jones
Format:DVD
Some people think this film was derived from The Matrix. In fact it is based on a book I read as a teenager and that was MANY years ago. As soon as someone in an internet conference mentioned the name I knew the book by, "Counterfeit World", I knew I had to see it.
The concept of this film becomes closer to reality every day as games like The Sims let you live life for a computer character. A group of scientists have created a simulated world inside a computer. The inhabitants have a life of their own but people can plug in to take over a character and live their life. None of the characters in the world are aware it isn't real and life goes on for them even when there is no human intervention.
One of the scientists makes a shocking discovery and manages to leave a message for his colleague with a simulation character before he is murdered and the colleague becomes the prime suspect. Entering the virtual world to find clues to clear his name, our hero discovers that the message has enabled a character to discover the true nature of his world.
After various twist and turns with new characters appearing in his life and events making him doubt his own sanity he discovers the secret his mentor was killed to protect. One concept I don't remember from the original book, but crucial to the story, is that if a player is killed in the virtual world the normal mind of the character will take over his body. This brings the film to a satisfying conclusion that I don't remember in the original novel.
Some reviews have said the acting isn't very good, but I found myself so carried along by the concept and the questions it raises about reality I can't say I really noticed the acting. That's really all I ask of a film.
15 of 16 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
Unfortunately, the 13th Floor was released straight to video here and it's a shame really. Though it has been pointed out that many of the 'twists' are predictable and so is the ending, the same could be said for many films, including the over-rated 'The Matrix'. As to the point that Craig Bierko's performance is flat, I must disagree. I think his performance suited his character; an easy going good-guy who's been drawn into something against his will. The support cast is excellent and the soundtrack is superb. This film will not disappoint, especially if you like character and plot driven films. If you liked Dark City in particular, check it out now. Trust me, you won't be disappointed.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent video with an unexpected twist
Well thought out plot that completes in an unexpected way. The concept is different and fascinating. The technology behind the video is consistent with todays technology.
Published 15 days ago by Mr. T. W. Foster-Baker
5.0 out of 5 stars
Pleasant Suprise
Other reviewers will explain this movie, but i just wanted to say that it was a pleasant surprise to watch, it was a book that referenced this film that brought me here, otherwise... Read more
Published 15 months ago by shane lynch
2.0 out of 5 stars
Really - don't bother.
I bought this based on all the four and five star reviews, but I must have been watching a different film! Read more
Published 15 months ago by Anna Richardson
4.0 out of 5 stars
The Matrix's distant cousin that's been locked away in the attic
Every synopsis I read of The Thirteenth Floor has the words `mind-bending' written in it. Therefore I made sure I followed the story pretty closely so that I didn't miss anything. Read more
Published 16 months ago by Albatross
4.0 out of 5 stars
Top-notch film-making on a budget
My first viewing was enthralling. Taut story-line, superb detailing, fine special effects, excellent performances by eye-candy Gretchen Mol and Craig Bierko, Dennis Haysbert in... Read more
Published 16 months ago by jasonhad
4.0 out of 5 stars
Well worth watching
If you like sci-fi and crime thrillers then this is the film for you. It will leep you guessing into what is real and what is not.
Published 19 months ago by morganpj
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great film
The 13th Floor has elements of The Matrix, Existenz, Dark City and much more recently Inception. Obviously it came out around the same time as the first 3 films, as it deals with... Read more
Published 24 months ago by Charles Gosling
4.0 out of 5 stars
An intelligent and thought provoking thriller
It's one of those films you have to watch more than once . . . .
Published on 31 Aug 2010 by K. Thomas
3.0 out of 5 stars
Surprisingly good
While not in the same league as the original Matrix, still a good piece of SF.
Published on 25 Jun 2010 by Mike Oz
5.0 out of 5 stars
Worlds within worlds within worlds
Hannon Fuller (Armin Mueller-Stahl) has a secret and knows that he will be killed for it. Therefore, he leaves a message or his friend and college, Douglas Hall (Craig Bierko. Read more
Published on 1 Jun 2010 by bernie
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