I really wanted to like this movie. I feel terribly cynical trashing it, and that's why I'm giving it a middling 5. Actually, I'm giving it a 5 because there were some superb performances.

Not sure how, but this is easily one of the best movies all summer. Multiple levels of funny, never takes itself seriously, super colorful, and creative.

Great example of an old-fashioned, pure-at-heart escapist event movie that doesn't pretend to be anything that it's not and has boat loads of fun being its own ludicrous self.

There's a more than satisfactory amount of boom-boom in the movie's trim running time.

Set in Cambodia - only days before Khmer Rouge guerrilla forces overrun the capital city Phnom Penh - Before The Fall captures all the passion and craziness of a collapsing city under siege.The story, which centers around a love triangle between Cambodian nightclub singer Liya and her two lovers, grabs you from the first scenes and never lets up as the film progresses - with plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing who will prevail in the end.There's plenty of action and a big rock n roll soundtrack which combine to really capture the look and feel of the times.But it's the ending which really makes this film, as plots unravel and tables are repeatedly turned again and again.It's a great looking film in a fantastic setting, with lots of crazy characters and super cool style.

A well-crafted piece of work. It was engaging from the start and built tension effectively - differing the pace on occasion, unpredictably, to keep the viewer interested. The acting, while sometimes not at perfect pitch, was admirable - especially the leads who were confident and comfortable in their, respective, extremely demanding roles.The fact that they weren't the boring (yawn) "commercially polished" dross we see all the time from the mega-studios added immensely to the authentic feel of the drama. Even without considering the probable production budget, this indie masterpiece is right at the top of 2015's releases - there can be no doubt about that.I can't recommend this sumptuously shot and strongly directed historically accurate epic tale more highly. It's worth seeing for the moody, smoky, ambiance of the interior scenes alone - it's directly and unavoidably visceral - you can smell the corners and shadows slowly, methodically emerging from the darkness. Go see this intriguing and artfully realized film. Soon.