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Description
OM System OM-5 Mirrorless Camera with 12-45mm f/4.0 (Silver)OM System OM 5 Mirrorless Camera with 12 45mm f 4. 0 (Silver) OM System SKU: V210022SU000 Helix SKU: OYV210022SU000 Overview Like Your Favorite Pair of Boots The OM 5 is not here to be flashy, steal the show, be in the way of your experience or even try to be the sole reason for your adventure. It is rather like your favorite pair of boots that lead you onto trails unknown; that bag that always has what you need or that friend that helps you see the
OM System OM-5 Mirrorless Camera with 12-45mm f/4.0 (Silver)
OM System SKU: V210022SU000 | Helix SKU: OYV210022SU000
Overview
Like Your Favorite Pair of Boots
The OM-5 is not here to be flashy, steal the show, be in the way of your experience or even try to be the sole reason for your adventure. It is rather like your favorite pair of boots that lead you onto trails unknown; that bag that always has what you need or that friend that helps you see the world in a beautifully different way.
Invisible
So compact you barely notice it. A streamlined classic design that disappears in your bag but feels just right to hold.
Durable
Noticeably tough. The OM-5 will tackle anything your adventure can throw at it. There’s no bad weather for storytelling.
Discover
See nature in a new way through computational photography—an ever-expanding photographic journey of discovery.
Stories
When even pictures cannot do a story justice, turn it into a spectacular movie worthy of the journey you made.
A Device of Discovery
Technology is only useful if we use it. The OM-5 has everything you need and nothing you don’t.
While the technology within the camera is impressive, the really exciting part is when it comes together through computational photography and other features. Here are the highlights.
Touch the Sky
With the powers of Starry Sky AF and Live Composite combined, no celestial object is out of reach on your nighttime adventures.
Creative Flow
Class leading image stabilization and computational photography features such as Live ND will open up a new flow of creativity with movement.
Color Your Story
Capture every shade and color your story the way you experienced it with features like HDR, Color Creator, and Art Filters.
Venture Deeper
No camera can tell the story for you but the right bit of kit in the right situation can make all the difference in getting the shot or coming home empty-handed. But remember — sometimes missing the shot is just the thing you need to be able to make the most of the moment. The choice is yours.
4K30
Capture stunning views with a 4K 30p video codec that is easy on the memory card but does not compromise on quality and detail.
Vertical Video
Capture your stories the way you want to show them. Vertical videos means easy editing and easy sharing on mobile platforms.
OM-LOG400
Capture the full range of nature’s beauty with a filmmaking-specific color-grading friendly picture profile.
Specifications
Specifications
Sensor/Dust Reduction
| Sensor Type | 4/3 Live MOS Sensor |
| Effective Pixels | 20.4 million |
| Total Pixels | 21.8 million |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 |
| Dust Reduction | Supersonic Wave Filter (image sensor dust reduction system) |
Processor
| Processor Type | TruePic™ IX Image Processor |
Focusing System
| AF System Type |
High-speed imager AF *Imager phase detection AF and imager contrast AF used in combination |
| Focusing Points / Focusing Points Selection Mode | Cross-type phase detection AF (121 points), Contrast AF (121 points) / All target, Single target (Normal), Single target (Small), Group target (5 area), Group target (9 area), Group target (25 area), Custom target* (AF area and its increment steps selectable) *Number of saved custom target settings: 4 |
| Focus Modes | Single AF (S-AF), Single AF+MF (S-AF+MF), Continuous AF (C-AF), Continuous AF+MF (C-AF+MF), Manual Focus (MF), AF tracking (C-AF + TR), AF tracking+MF (C-AF + TR+MF), Preset MF, Starry sky AF (S-AF), Starry sky AF+MF (S-AF+MF) |
| AF Limiter | Available *Up to 3 distance settings can be saved |
| Magnified Frame | 3x, 5x, 7x, 10x, 14x |
| Super Spot AF | Available |
| Face Detection AF / Eye Detection | Available |
| AF Targeting Pad | Available |
| Peaking Function | Available |
| AF Focus Adjust | Available |
| AF Illuminator | Available |
Image Stabilization
| System Type | Built-in 5-axis sensor-shift image stabilization |
| Modes | S-IS AUTO, S-IS1, S-IS2, S-IS3, OFF |
| Focal Length Setting | 11 settings: 10 programmable settings (10 lenses), 1 open setting *Lenses without communication function can be registered |
| 5-Axis Sync IS |
Available *When using the M.Zuiko Digital lenses equipped with image stabilization |
| Stabilization Performance | Compensation steps (Body only): 6.5 *When using the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO Focal length: 40mm (35mm equivalent: 80mm) Compensation steps (Sync IS): 7.5 *When using the M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO Focal length: 100mm (35mm equivalent: 200mm), halfway release image stabilization Off, Frame rate: High |
Shutter/Sequential Shooting
| Sequential Shooting Maximum Speed |
[Sequential shooting H] approx. 10 fps with selectable 5 -10 fps [Sequential shooting L] approx. 6fps with selectable 1-6 fps [Anti-shock sequential shooting L] approx. 5.5 fps with selectable 1-6 fps [Silent sequential shooting H] approx. 30 fps with selectable 15, 20, 30 fps [Silent sequential shooting L] approx. 10 fps with selectable 1-10fps [Pro Capture H] approx. 30 fps with selectable 15, 20, 30fps * Slower shutter speeds and flash can not be used [Pro Capture L] approx. 10 fps *Slower shutter speeds and flash can not be used. *Compatible lenses are limited. *The minimum aperture is f/8. |
| Max Recordable Pictures in Sequential Shooting | Sequential shooting H 10 fps [RAW]: Approx. 149 [JPEG LF]: Until card is full Sequential shooting L 6 fps [RAW]: Until card is full [JPEG LF]: Until card is full Silent sequential shooting H 30 fps [RAW]: Approx. 18 [JPEG LF]: Approx. 20 Silent sequential shooting L 10 fps [RAW]: Approx. 138 [JPEG LF]: Until card is full |
Viewfinder/Monitor
| Finder Type | Eye-level OLED electronic viewfinder, approx. 2.36M dots |
| Field of View / Viewfinder Magnification | Approx. 100% / Approx. 1.23x[*1] ~ 1.37x[*2] (-1m-1, 50mm lens, Infinity) *1: Finder Style 1, 2 (aspect ratio 4:3) *2: Finder Style 3 (aspect ratio 4:3) |
| Eye Point / Diopter Adjustment Range | Approx. 27mm (-1m-1, Distance from rear lens surface) / -4 ~ +2m-1 |
| Display Grid | Off / normal grid / trichotomy /golden grid / scale / diagonal / movie grid *grid color is selectable |
| Level Gauge | 2-axis (horizontal/vertical) level gauge |
| Finder Style | 3 styles |
| Brightness / Color Temp Control | Adaptive brightness technology (EVF Auto Luminance) / ±2 level manual brightness control /±3 level manual color temperature control |
| Rear Monitor Size | 3.0-inch vari-angle monitor (electrostatic capacitance touch panel), Approx.1.04M dots (3:2) |
| Touch Control | Shutter release, Touch AF (AF area selection, AF area size adjustment), Face selection by touch operation, AF targeting pad, Frame forward/backward, Magnified playback, Live Guide, Super Control Panel, Wi-Fi connection |
| Tilting Capability | Swivel type |
| Brightness / Color Temp Control (Rear Monitor) | ±7 levels / ±7 levels |
Exposure Control/Flash
| Metering System |
Digital ESP metering (324-area multi pattern metering), Center-weighted average metering, Spot metering*, Spot metering with highlight/shadow control* *Also available AF target spot metering |
| Metering Range | Lowest luminance (-2 EV) / Highest luminance (20 EV) *ISO approx. 100, with F2.8 lens |
| Exposure Mode / Shooting Mode | AUTO (Live Guide can be used) Program AE (Program shift can be performed) Aperture priority AE Shutter priority AE Manual Bulb (Live Bulb, Live Time and Live Composite are available) Custom Scene select AE Art Filter |
| ISO Sensitivity | AUTO ISO (default): LOW (approx.64) ‐ 6400 with customizable default and upper limit (200 - 6400) Manual ISO: LOW (approx.64, approx.100), 200 ~ 25600 |
| Exposure Compensation | ±5 EV (adjustable by 1/3, 1/2 or 1 EV steps) *Live View only reflects up to ±3 EV steps |
| AE Lock | Available *Locks with a half-press of the shutter button (can be set to other buttons) |
| Anti-Flicker Shooting | Available |
| Flash Intensity Control Mode | TTL Auto, Manual, Auto, Super FP (FP-TTL AUTO, FP-MANUAL) *Auto and Super FP are available on the external flash |
| Flash Mode | Redeye, Fill-in, Flash Off, Red-eye Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (1st curtain), Slow sync. (2nd curtain), Manual (1/1 (FULL) ~ 1/64) |
| Synchronization Speed | 1/250 sec. When using Super FP: 1/125-1/8000 sec. When using electronic shutter: 1/50 sec. up to ISO6400, 1/20 sec. for ISO 8000 and higher, and 1/20 sec. for ISO bracketing |
| Flash Intensity Control | ±3 EV (1/3, 1/2, 1 EV steps selectable) |
| Compatible External Flash | FL-LM3, FL-600R, FL-900R, STF-8, FL-700WR |
| Wireless Flash Control Method | OM SYSTEM (Olympus) Wireless RC Flash system (Triggered and controlled by flash) Compatible external flash FL-600R, FL-900R, FL-700WR |
| External Flash Intensity Type | TTL Auto, Manual, Auto, FP-TTL AUTO, FP-MANUAL |
| Channel No. | 4 channels |
| Group No. | 4 groups (External flash 3 groups + commander flash) |
| Radio Wireless Control | Available |
Memory/Image Recording (File Format)
| Compatible Memory | Slot 1: SD, SDHC (UHS-I / II), SDXC(UHS-I / II) |
| Recording Format | DCF2.0, Exif2.31 |
| File Format | JPEG, RAW(12-bit lossless compression), JPEG+RAW |
| Recording Image Size | RAW: 5184 x 3888 JPEG: 5184 x 3888 ~ 1024 x 768 |
White Balance/Color Mode
| White Balance Mode | Auto WB, 7 WB presets, 4 Capture WB, Custom WB (Kelvin setting) |
| White Balance Compensation* |
±7 steps along A-B / G-M axis * Including Custom WB |
| Color Mode | sRGB, Adobe RGB |
Bracketing/HDR
| Exposure Bracketing | 2, 3 or 5 frames (0.3/0.7/1.0EV steps selectable), 7 frames (0.3/0.7EV steps selectable) |
| ISO Bracketing | 3 frames (0.3/0.7/1.0EV steps selectable) |
| White Balance Bracketing | 3 frames (A-B/G-M axis*) *Selectable in 2, 4, 6 steps each |
| Flash Bracketing | 3 frames (0.3/0.7/1.0EV steps selectable) |
| Art Filter Bracketing | i-Enhance, Vivid, Natural, Muted, Portrait, Monotone, Custom, Art Filters, Color Creator, Underwater selectable |
| Focus Bracketing | 3 to 999 frames (step 1 to 10 selectable) Flash charge time (0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, 8, 15, 30 sec. selectable) |
| Focus Stacking | Available M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 7-14mm F2.8 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8-25mm F4.0 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-40mm F2.8 PRO II M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-45mm F4 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 12-100mm F4.0 IS PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F2.8 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 40-150mm F4.0 PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 100-400mm F5.0-6.3 IS M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 150-400mm F4.5 TC1.25x IS PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 30mm F3.5 Macro M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 60mm F2.8 Macro M.ZUIKO DIGITAL ED 300mm F4.0 IS PRO M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 1.4x Teleconverter MC-14 M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 2x Teleconverter MC-20 |
| HDR (Auto Composite) | HDR1, HDR2 (painting-like) *ISO sensitivity is fixed at 200, and maximum shutter speed setting is 4 sec. |
| Bracketing for HDR post-process | 3 or 5 frames (2.0 or 3.0 EV steps), 7 frames (2.0 EV steps) |
Creative Features
| Picture Mode | i-Finish, Vivid, Natural, Flat, Portrait, Monotone, Custom, e-Portrait, Underwater, Color Creator, Art Filters |
| Gradation | 4 types (Auto, Normal, High Key, Low Key) *Except when using e-Portrait, Underwater, Art Filters, Color Creator |
| Highlight and Shadow Control | ±7 steps each for highlight, shadow, mid-tone |
| Art Filter (Variation / Art Effect) |
Pop Art, Soft Focus, Pale & Light Color, Light Tone, Grainy Film, Pin Hole, Diorama, Cross Process, Gentle Sepia, Dramatic Tone, Key Line, Water Color, Vintage, Partial Color (18 color selectable), Bleach Bypass, Instant Film |
| Live Bulb / Live Time | Available *Update interval time 0.5 sec. ~ 60 sec. |
| Live Composite | Available *Update interval time 0.5 sec. ~ 60 sec. |
| Interval Shooting | Available *Creating Time-lapse movie is possible with interval shooting up to 999 frames. *Time priority, Frame priority selectable *Exposure smoothing is available |
| Multiple Exposure | 2 frames / auto gain adjustment, exposure on recorded picture (RAW) |
| Fisheye Compensation | 3 Styles *Enabled when M.Zuiko Digital ED 8mm F1.8 Fisheye PRO is used. |
| High Res Shot | Handheld High Res Shot: JPEG (50M) 8160 x 6120 JPEG (25M) 5760 x 4320 RAW 8160 x 6120 Tripod High Res Shot JPEG (50M) 8160 x 6120 JPEG (25M) 5760 x 4320 RAW 10368 x 7776 |
| Keystone Compensation | Available |
Video/Audio Recording
| Video Recording Format | MOV(MPEG-4AVC/H.264) |
| Movie Mode / Frame Rate / Compression Method | 4096 x 2160 (C4K) 24p / IPB（Approx.237Mbps) 3840 x 2160 (4K) 30p、25p、24p / IPB（Approx. 102Mbps） 1920 x 1080 (FHD) 30p、25p、24p / ALL-I（Approx. 202Mbps）, IPB（Approx. 52Mbps、Approx. 30Mbps、Approx. 18Mbps） 60p、50p / IPB（Approx. 52Mbps、Approx. 30Mbps、Approx. 18Mbps） 1280×720（HD） 60p、50p、30p、25p、24p / ALL-I（Approx. 102Mbps）, IPB（Approx. 26Mbps、Approx. 14Mbps、Approx. 10Mbps） |
| Maximum Video Recording Time | - |
| Art Filter Movie | Available *Frame rates may drop when certain Art Filters are used. |
| Time-lapse Movie | 3840 x 2160 (4K) / 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps 1920 x 1080 (FHD) / 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps 1280 x 720 (HD) / 5fps, 10fps, 15fps, 30fps |
| Quick Movie / Slow Movie | Available |
| High speed movie | 120fps（1920×1080 / MOV） |
| Image Stabilization for Movie | M-IS1 (multi motion IS by Image sensor shift and electronic image stabilizer), M-IS2 (Multi motion IS by Image sensor shift), OFF *Field of view varies when using M-IS1. Using lens which is equipped with image stabilization can be given top priority. |
| AE Lock | Available |
| Time Code | Rec run / free run, drop frame / non-drop frame |
| Live View Output via HDMI | Monitor mode / Record mode *In monitor mode, the image can not be enlarged on the camera when a movie is being recorded. *In record mode, 4K / C4K can not be set. *In record mode, movie quality can be set to YCbCr 4:2:2 (8 bit). |
| Movie Picture Mode | Flat, OM-Log400 |
| Audio Recording Format | Wave Format (Stereo linear PCM/16-bit, Sampling frequency 48kHz) High-Resolution Audio recording Stereo linear PCM/24-bit, Sampling frequency 96kHz |
| Microphone / Speaker | Built-in stereo microphone / built-in mono speaker *External stereo microphone can be attached |
| Microphone Function | Wind noise reduction, recording volume, microphone volume limiter *Audio dubbing possible for still pictures (up to 30 sec.) |
Operability
| Wireless Shooting | Live View, Rec View, Wireless Touch AF shutter, Self Timer (w/ Countdown guidance, Sequential shooting, movie recording capability), Wireless Release, Movie Recording, Power Off |
| Image Share | Available *Marking function for image share is available. |
| Easy Connection | Connect using a QR code Connect using Bluetooth (View, Transfer only) |
| Playback Mode | Single-frame, Information display, Index display (4/9/25/100 frames), Calendar, Enlargement (2x ~ 14x), Movie (with sound, FF/REW/Pause), Picture rotation (auto) |
| Information Display | Histogram (independent luminance / RGB available), Highlight/Shadow point warning, AF frame, Photographic information, OFF |
Custom
| Mode dial my set | 1 type (Modes C can be accessed by mode dial) |
| Menu custom set | C2, C3 and C4 |
| Lever customization | Select assignment from 3 different modes, power switch, or off (no function assignment) |
| Button Customization | Buttons can be customized (select from 35 functions) Buttons on lenses can also be customized from the camera Some buttons may have restrictions to what functions can be assigned |
| Menu Languages (18 selectable) | English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Russian, Czech, Dutch, Polish, Portuguese, Swedish, Norwegian, Finnish, Turkish, Thai |
Connectivity/Power Requirements
| USB Connector | USB Micro-B (USB2.0 Hi-Speed) |
| Remote Connector | ⌀2.5Pin Jack (Optional remote cable RM-CB2, remote controller RM-WR1 can be used) |
| HDMI Connector | Micro HDMI (type D) |
| Flash Attachment | Hot shoe |
| Wireless LAN | Built-in (IEEE 802.11b/g/n) |
| Bluetooth | Built-in (Bluetooth Ver.4.2 Bluetooth Low Energy) |
| MIC Input Jack | ⌀3.5 stereo mini jack (plug-in power on/off) |
| PC Interface | USB Micro-B (USB2.0 Hi-Speed) |
| Battery | BLS-50 Li-ion battery |
| Battery Status Display | Remaining power (4 steps) |
| USB Charging | Built-in battery can be charged with USB * When the camera power is off * Performance varies depending on different USB devices |
| Sleep Mode | 1/3/5 min., Off |
| Number of Recordable Pictures | Standard mode: 310 shots / Quick sleep mode: 660 shots *With KIOXIA KSDXU-A064G, IS ON, with no flashes attached, based on CIPA test standards |
| Battery Life for Movie Recording | Under standard JEITA testing: 60 minutes When zoom and other operational functions are not used: 110 minutes |
Weights & Dimensions
| Weight |
Based on CIPA standards, with 1x BLX-1 battery and 1 memory card, without eyecup): 414g Body only: 366g |
| Dimensions | Approx. 125.3mm(W) x 85.2mm(H) x 49.7mm(D) *Based on CIPA standards: excludes protrusions |
| Environmentally Sealed | Dust, Splash, Freezeproof |
| Operating Temperature Range | -10℃ ~ +40℃ (when in operation), -20 ~ +60℃ (when stored) |
| Operating Humidity Range | 30 ~ 90% (when in operation), 10 ~ 90% (when stored) |
*Prices and Specifications are subject to change without notice.
Item Includes
Box Contents:
Body, USB cable, Shoulder strap, Instruction manual, Warranty card, BLS-50 Li-ion battery, F-5AC AC adapter
Shipping Notes
- Free Standard Shipping on $100+ Orders to the USA.
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- Delivery to the USA:
- Standard Shipping : 3-10 business days
- If time is of the essence, please consider selecting expedited delivery for faster service.
Exchange/Return Notes
- We offer a 30-day return/exchange service after receiving.
- Final sale items are not eligible for returns or exchanges.
- To process your return/exchange, please contact us at [email protected]
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4.2 ★★★★★
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★★★★★ 5
Great Item to get!
Thank you. Great product!
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Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2026
★★★★★ 5
Ruthless, nail-biting action thriller from "Exorcist" director William Friedkin.
BOTTOM LINE: If you enjoy tension & suspense then you'll be hard-pressed to find a better experience than SORCERER. I loved it and feel it has a high replay value that offsets the discouraging lack of bonus features. 5 STARS
THE STORY: Four shady criminals from various countries are on the run from trouble. Each eventually ends up in the desolate backwards village of Vera Cruz, deep in the South American jungle. Arriving there illegally, none of the strangers possess proper documentation with which to leave once the heat is off. They are trapped, and the only work in the village is at a nearby oil drilling site. When saboteurs blow the rig up the oil company must quickly put it out & recap the well, to maintain its profitability. The explosives needed to blow out the raging fire are stored at the company headquarters - some 200 miles away. Complicating matters further, the TNT has become dangerously unstable due to improper storage conditions, so it cannot be flown to the site but must instead be delivered overland by truck. Knowing the danger, the company agrees to pay $10,000 each for drivers willing to tackle the high risk job. Desperate to earn the much-needed money with which to buy their way to freedom, all four criminals volunteer. Though in essence a suicide mission, each man has no choice if he hopes to leave the village and get on with his life. Who will make it?
THOUGHTS: Released a week after the first STAR WARS, and sadly lost in the shuffle, SORCERER is a terrific film. Maybe director William Friedkin's very best. Yes, it is a thinly-veiled re-working of the classic French thriller THE WAGES OF FEAR but don't let that deter you. In many ways Friedkin's adaption is superior. JAWS alumni Roy Scheider is terrific here as a seedy driver for a mob hit gone terribly wrong and the other actors are equally adept in their roles. SORCERER is beautifully photographed and tightly edited for maximum tension. Completely done practically and on actual locations, (being shot back before the advent of CGI and wirework), the action set pieces are among THE MOST intense & nerve-wracking I have EVER seen on film. Period. The rope bridge scene? Two words: Holy crap. I was literally on the edge of my seat throughout the entire sequence, my heart thumping and my hands clutching the arms of my chair in a death grip. If this scene doesn't make you break out in a cold sweat and get your pulse pounding then you might want to check with your doctor because you're probably dead. This sequence alone makes the purchase of SORCERER completely justified. I feel the first half of the film could have been tightened up some, as it spends the first 45 minutes or so setting everything up, but taking it for what it is it's worth the wait because the last half will have you gasping in disbelief, jumping in your seat and chewing your nails right down to the first knuckle. Simply great stuff. I only regret that I hadn't discovered SORCERER before now, but what a fantastic find.
THE BLU-RAY: In a word... magnificent. The remaster for SORCERER is an audio & visual triumph. This is THE version to own. While sadly lacking in extras, the hi-def film transfer looks so impressive that I am more than willing to overlook the bonus shortcomings. The Blu comes packaged in a sort of mini book binding that sports a brief excerpt from William Friedkin's autobiography, detailing his work on the film and his feelings about its new lease on life with this Blu-ray. I've never been much of a fan of the director himself because he's always come across like a snobby, pompous, egotistical ass. Surprisingly, he acknowledges this fault and describes how it lead to his eventual downfall in Hollywood. But I cannot deny that he's made a few really good films during his career.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 30, 2016
★★★★★ 5
A Perfect Film
It has been a long time since I have been so surprised by a film; I can remember hearing about it when I was a kid, but like so many others at the time, 'Star Wars' was my childhood obsession. That a being said, I also have to say that this movie is generally timeless; with the exception of the cars and the music sometimes(still an excellent score by Tangerine Dream...), there is nothing that falls to the side as 'dated'. The country the 4 men flee to is just miserable, and probably looks the same now as it did then...just behind the times in so many ways.
The set up of the 4 men starts things off with bang--literally. The scenarios are very different for each individual, but each equally satisfying. There is an excellent church robbery scenario that rounds things off with Roy Scheider, which includes a trademark Friedkin vehicle sequence(which--like many other scenes in this film--comes with a surprising jolt and a direction you didn't see coming...). Each backdrop story could pretty much provide for a film of it's own. Scheider is excellent, and this film reminds me why I was always a big fan of his. That being said, the other acting is all just right on the money as well; you can feel both their desperation and sweat, and sympathize with every stumbling block they encounter along the way. From the corrupt cops to the bandits they meet on the road(a favorite scene of mine in any movie...), you are thrown generally everything in the book as far as a crime/thriller movie go. And in this case it is all successful. There were more than a dozen scenes that hold up to or outshine anything that has been put out in the last 10 years to me. It is a reminder of the skill behind this project across the board, and the booklet with the blu-ray is really enjoyable to read, especially after seeing the film, as it fills in some curious questions about how certain things were done, and the difficulties the production encountered.
The look of the film is breathtaking at times; all of the camera shots of the landscapes, kids, animals, elderly soda vendors, and crowded village streets are very candid and realistic. While the plot is somewhat simple, the intensity and driving force behind the 4 men is unforgettable; and while they are all different in their ideals, beliefs, and character, they all manage to somehow come together by fate to carry out the one thing that could save them from a life of poverty or consequence by law. And everyone meets some kind of fate you don't see coming.
I have always loved Friedkin's work, especially when he delves into the darker side of mankind; However, this is the 1st movie in quite some time that has jumped into my top 5 favorite movies. It again reminds me how people w/talent to burn make timeless work, period. I am so happy that Friedkin was able to get this released as he saw fit, and it truly is a gift to those who like him, the genre, the actors, and the feel of such a film...
There is humor and philosophy throughout the film here and there as well; the screenplay is top notch, and the dialog is fascinating; it is one of the films you watch where you are never reminded it's a film. You get wrapped up in it, and do a lot of replaying certain sequences over and over. While the 'bridge scene' is the most famously known sequence in the film, there are countless others that are certainly equal, although the bridge scene is a pure nail biter(not to mention technical feat, as further explained in the booklet...).
The use of sound is also pretty incredible, especially coupled with the visuals; from the sounds of several surprise explosions, to the sound of the knife blade being flipped out, this film uses sound as a performance of it's own; it supplies a huge/equal part of the overall canvass and to feeling like you are there in particular a situation, not to mention hearing things as they actually probably would be heard; the sound is never overdone for the situation, and always effective. The creaking wood and rushing water of the bridge scene is a great example. Also, while the dialog is considerably less than in most movies, it is always very well written, realistic, and just another positive strength; but even when there is no dialog, and just simply sound and the expressions on the characters faces, it more than serves the point trying to be made. The character hit-man Nilo has very few lines, yet his character and performance are equally strong as anyone's here. The small visual details work in the same way the sounds ones do, such as the soldier accepting a bribe by scraping the money to himself with a fly swatter, the bar tender wiping off Roy Schieder's silverwear on his own shirt before passing them to him, to the cop popping open a Coke bottle with the cocked barrel of his gun...all small examples of going that little extra bit to make something potentially average something more. And these types of moments and details are throughout the film. A favorite to me is in the church scene in the beginning of the film where the priest mentions to the happy couple something to the effect of 'not being obsessed with material things', and you can see the groom roll his eyes, all while his bride with the black eye stands next to him(they show a close-up of her when the priest say he hopes their marriage is filled with blessings, but she still didn't look too happy to be there...).
Mr. Friedkin wanted this to be his 'magnum opus', and I think he well succeeded. It really does still outshine so many films and the people involved that exist nowadays; Like Stanley Kubrick and John Huston, I can see the obsessive side Friedkin had to create something unforgettable no matter how much time or money it took; it is quite a risk, and sadly one that doesn't always pay off; but it is an effort that is well appreciated, and something not as many filmmakers take on nowadays.
As far as it being considered a remake, I would have to say this is no more a remake than something like Herzog's 'Bad Lieutenant: Port of Call, New Orleans' was of the original 'Bad Lieutenant' film; some of the story elements are similar, but a lot of those elements are taken to new and different places with all the people involved with the production; and while 'Sorcerer' gets it's story foundation from both a novel and a film, you can see them much more as an influence, and not the basis. It is more the taking of a loose idea and making it to all your own, not an imitation of it.
I have watched this 6 times since it came out, and it still seems to expose a new layer or understanding each time, not to mention the brilliance of so many scenes that capture the moment spot-on. This film is pure genius to me, and the surprise release on blu-ray has made my month. It is a piece of work that warrants all the 5 star reviews it has gotten, and Mr. Friedkin should be more than proud of this piece of work.
I hope it reaches the full audience it deserves now, esp in the blu-ray format. I think it will.
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Reviewed in the United States on April 30, 2014
★★★★★ 5
The finest hour of William Friedkin
William Friedkin was undoubtedly one of the 1970s greatest and most influential directors. He only made 3 pictures during the decade, but all are landmark films. The first was The French Connection (1971), the film that won him his best director Oscar & the film won best picture. His next film, The Exorcist (1973) is probably his most famous/infamous & and it’s the only movie that’s still a truly terrifying experience, something to endure as much as to watch almost lol. Sorcerer (1977) was his 3rd and final film of the decade, and in spite of or perhaps even because of how it was a largely forgotten film for so long (after seeing it on cable nearly 30 years ago, it was a movie I simply could not track down until the release of this Blu-Ray) I really think in so many ways it ranks right along aside his first two 70s classics, and perhaps even surpasses those films in terms of pure audacity. The rope bridge scene is as intense as a set piece gets and is worth the price of admission all on its own, but the film as a whole is a clinic in lean, economical filmmaking. And the score by Tangerine Dream kicks serious a**. It might be because of his 70s trifecta Sorcerer is the only one that is still almost sort of like a “new film” too me, as I’ve only watched it maybe 3-4 times and have seen the other 2 dozens of times, but for my money Sorcerer is master filmmaker William Friedkin at the absolute peak of his powers.
MD2020 gives “Sorcerer” 5 out of 5 ⭐️s and says it’s a flawless action film and Friedkins best work.
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Reviewed in the United States on January 25, 2024
★★★★★ 4
A stylish, intimate remake of a French Classic
William Friedkin (The French Connection) brings us exotic locations and gripping story in Sorcerer, a remake of Henri-Georges Clouzot's 1953 thriller Wages of Fear.
The first hour of this movie seems to be comprised of random events involving four individuals that have absolutely nothing to do with each other. The only commonality is that they are all men of dubious character. Probably the most recognizable actor in this film is Roy Schieder, who plays a low level New York gangster participate in a robbery that goes bad, and forces him to flee the country due to the fact he managed to step on some pretty well connected toes. The second man, a French businessman, escapes from the threat of prosecution due to some shady business dealings. The third man, a Middle Eastern terrorist flees his captors after being caught participating in a bombing, and the fourth man is a shady assassin type apparently on the run from repercussion from his last hit.
The key is all four men end up in a South American rat-infested stink hole of a town called Vera Cruz. After awhile, they find their sanctuary has become more of a prison and all begin a desperate search for a way out, but that involves money, a commodity that's in short supply, with the only work available in the area is provided by an oil company that runs a well and is building a pipeline for the bubbling crude. Dangerous work, and the pay is so low that it would take years to earn enough to leave. Salvation for the men comes in a catastrophic disaster, an explosion damaging the well and causing the oil to burn.
The only way to close the well proper for repairs is to blow it up, and the only explosives available are 200 miles away. Turns out the explosives, sticks of nitro, haven't been tended very well, and, in turn, are highly unstable. The company decides to hire four men to drive two trucks to carry the dangerous materials through 200 miles of dangerous jungle, including prehistoric rope and wood bridges, treacherous mountain passes, deadly bandits and swampy roads laden with fallen trees. The suicide mission draws the four men, as the money would allow them to escape the oppressive town. The most intense scenes for me involved the men trying to traverse a rickety, rotting wooden rope suspension bridge over a raging river during a heavy rainstorm. There were times when the truck on the bridge was at such an angle, I thought it would flip right off. And all the actors performed most all their own stunts, adding to the realism of the movie. Do they make it? See the movie and find out. I especially liked the very end. A very nice touch that reminded me of an ending of a certain Alfred Hitchcock movie. Which one? I won't say, as it would give it away.
The movie runs just under two hours, and I would highly recommend it to anyone. Friedkin and the actors do a wonderful job in developing tensions between the characters and the environment and the between the characters themselves. The pacing is a bit slow, but it's deliberate, cranking the suspense up, notch by grueling notch.
There are sparse special features, including pretty thorough productions notes and a trailer. If you enjoy thrilling adventure, you will most likely like this movie. I would have happily given this movie five stars but it is only available in the full screen format. Something I didn't understand is the title for the movie. I wasn't able to figure out what it had to do with the movie....
Cookieman108
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Reviewed in the United States on December 15, 2003