The term "Independent Film" or "Indie cinema" doesn't mean today, what it meant back when filmmakers literally needed to scrounge and scramble for the funds needed to realize every young filmmaker's ultimate dream; to make an ACTUAL MOVIE. Miramax is NOT a studio that produces indie films, and it never was, even in the very beginning. This is what is so fascinating, and so important about movies like ".357 Magnum." This is a simple movie, a crime drama about assassins going after bad guys, double agents, a lot of shootouts, with the occasional glimpse of sex or nudity thrown in, It's a "buddy movie," the two buddies, one dark and the other blonde, working side by side, guns in hand and taking down the baddies. And it's all done in glorious 1970's style; those wide lapel suits, the bell bottoms. polyester jackets, big cars, bigger moustaches etc..Anyone who is into this genre knows what i am talking about, and can truly appreciate this one. Taking place around the World, however the director, with his severely limited budget, cleverly films around the San Francisco area, utilizing locales to stand in for foreign lands. For instance the scenes taking place in the Orient are filmed around San Francisco's Chinatown, and with it's Asian architecture and many Chinese signs and storefronts, this succeeds fairly well in creating the illusion. Made with little cash but a big passion for movies, ".357 Magnum" is a guaranteed good time for those who enjoy flicks like "The Amazing Mr. No Legs..." specific cinema for a specific audience..the "Midnight movie" crowd...all others should likely pass on this one..
