13 Tzameti
Metascore
61 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 25 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 16 out of 25
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 25
  3. Negative: 2 out of 25
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  1. Seattle Post-Intelligencer
    Reviewed by: Sean Axmaker
    100
    The language and the landscape is French, but the sensibility and style is unmistakably Eastern European.
  2. New York Post
    Reviewed by: V.A. Musetto
    88
    Starts slowly but builds, Hitchcock-style, to a terrifying crescendo. And don't fool yourself into thinking you know what's going to happen.
  3. Philadelphia Inquirer
    Reviewed by: Steven Rea
    88
    13 Tzameti is cut from the same cloth as the humans-hunted-for-sport classic "The Most Dangerous Game" - and from that early talkie's many subsequent remakes and rip-offs, including John Woo's "Hard Target."
  4. Portland Oregonian
    Reviewed by: Shawn Levy
    83
    A stylish and unnerving thriller that sucks you into surreal scenes of horror with the chilly confidence of a nightmare.

User Reviews

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User Score
7.4 out of 10

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 7
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 7
  3. Negative: 1 out of 7
  1. Nesbitt10
    8
    Filmed in widescreen black-and-white, this dark and harrowing film conveys the look of film noir combined with the bleak existentialist sentiments found in so many Eastern European works. "13 Tzameti" is a stylish thriller that is difficult to describe without giving too much away in a review.
    A deceptive first half ticks slowly by as the pieces fall into place. Sébastien (Georges Babluani) leads an impoverished life constantly struggling to support his immigrant family. While repairing the roof of a neighbor's house, he overhears a conversation about a forthcoming package which promises to make the household rich. Sensing the opportunity of a lifetime, Sébastien intercepts the package which contains a series of veiled instructions. Following the cryptic clues, he assumes a false identity and manages to slip through the grasp of the encroaching police as he ventures deeper towards the unknown. The closer he gets to his destination, the less he understands. Ultimately, he comes face to face with a perverse ring of gamblers placing bets on a depraved game of chance where the spoils are unimaginable millions, and the losses are counted in lives. Directed by Gela Babluani, "13 Tzameti" is a winner-take-all thriller where a naive young man is transformed into Player 13 in game with only one way out. Babluani turns this cryptic game of cat and mouse into a running nightmare of cold-blooded tension. Georgian-born director Babluani works like a prize fighter, distracting attention with one hand before slamming home with the other, and the clinical black and white photography only adds to the nightmare. Once the game is revealed, however, drama is sacrificed for pure tension. But although the outcome is never in any doubt, the twist in this nasty little tale is anything but a cheap shot. If you're in the mood for chilling suspense, place your bet on "13 Tzameti."    … Full Review »
  2. homandavoodi
    3
    another damned wasted superb idea. an interesting and exiting idea have led to a boring and non effective movie. at technical aspect, the film is very low class and annoying.… Full Review »
  3. nutterjr
    7
    Could have been a masterpiece if the actors could ooze a bit more emotion. The script is good with a number of surprising twists, but it is the direction that helps tighten the tension and deliver a great thriller.… Full Review »
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