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The film that kick-started Keanu Reeves’ illustrious career. A police thriller that takes place in an attractive surfing environment. The pace speeds up only in the last third, as everything that happens before is about getting to know the characters. Their relationships are well-developed, although today they seem a bit cliché. The last third, however, is surprising with unpredictable twists and its skydiving scenes complement the surfing ones in creating the pleasant poetics of a free lifestyle (which defines the characters of the film). The ending adds a bit of depth, but it was obviously added as an afterthought half a year after the film was originally completed. What is hard to swallow in this film today is Mark Isham’s terrible “action” music (a motif-free mess of percussion), which makes one realize how dramatically Hans Zimmer and his disciples changed the face of Hollywood action-movie music. (27.08.2014)

It’s a beautiful movie, what else can I say? It’s simply a beautiful movie. At the beginning you have no idea what to think. Nevertheless, Keanu Reeves immediately puts on the air of a sharp-eyed rookie, and dives into his case. Everything on that coast is moving with a loose pace until there are scenes that I didn’t believe I’d ever see in a movie. The reviewer Enšpígl said it beautifully. There’s plenty of room for the freedom of the human spirit. It’s easy to listen to and even more to experience when you actually dive into the movie. Some scenes stuck in my mind and I might never get them out of my head and I’m already looking forward to watching the movie again. If nothing else, the ending is out of this world. And if anyone says otherwise, they’re just weird... (25.04.2013)

Surfing, skydiving, sunbathing on the beach, or improving one's body at the gym is somehow lost on me, and if Kathryn Bigelow portrays attractive muscle men and their carefree lifestyle, I understand that not only can many female viewers, but also male viewers, be enthralled by their approach to life and enjoying themselves. However, I simply don't find it appealing. I didn't like the characters and their value system, and the story itself didn't captivate me either. Overall impression: 40%. (30.05.2011)

The film features a great Swayze and Reeves, a funny Busey, and mainly amazingly-filmed surfing. It’s all underscored by Isham's ethereal music, interestingly contrasting with the lively action, where even the iconic jump without a parachute pumps gallons of adrenaline into the audience’s veins, making one wonder how Kathryn Bigelow does it. This woman just has to have balls. Half the guys in Hollywood don't make action movies this vibrant. (29.06.2008)

A solid hit in our cinemas in the early 90s. With a bit of hyperbole, a wittier Baywatch meets a buddy-cop movie like Lethal Weapon – gorgeous waves, surfing, a sense of unbridled freedom, and a criminal plot led by two handsome men with considerable acting talent. All this under the direction of a lady who proved that working with her husband, the famous James Cameron, this time in the role of executive producer, suited her perfectly. It's simply impossible not to succumb to the superficial feeling; all those beautiful shots with wild waves and brave surfers are just asking to be put on a calendar, and together with the parachute scene they can give you a pleasant chill. I have to admit that I was a little jealous of Swayze’s Bodhi's search for freedom and the spiritual side of the sea, and I would love to trade places with him for a while. The unconventional ending and the casting of the well-known representative of assholes of all kinds, Gary Busey, in perhaps the only unreservedly positive role of his career are also a delight. All in all, a happy 3*, the fourth one was definitely raised by the funny cameo of Anthony Kiedis, frontman of the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, playing a bad guy, and his cool catchphrase "That would be a waste of time…". (17.09.2007)