Mikes Film Talk

Edward Berger gives us the 2025 Drama/Thriller Ballad of a Small Player. The film is ultimately depressing despite its, somewhat, upbeat ending. Based on a script by Rowan Joffe and Lawrence Osborne, the film follows a confidence man with a gambling problem.

Ballad of a Small Player Story

A con man’s past reaches out for him in Macau. He is in the middle of a losing streak when a kindred spirit connects with him. Can she solve his problems?

The Cast

Colin Farrell is Lord Doyle.

Fala Chen is Dao Ming.

Tilda Swinton is Blythe.

Deanie Ip is Grandma.

Alan K. Chang is Kai.

Alex Jennings is Adrien Lippett.

Anthony Chau-Sang Wong is Alfred De Sousa.

A Cast to Die For

Ballad of a Small Player literally has a cast to die for. Farrell is always good value for the money. As is Tilda Swinton. Fala Chen is addictive as Dao Ming so too is Deanie Ip as Grandma. Kudos to Anthony Chau-Sang Wong as Alfred and Alex Jennings as Adrien. Both actors turn in star performances in small, mainly cameo sized, roles.

Let’s Talk Ballad of a Small Player

This film looks brilliant. The location; Macau, reeks of over opulence. Money looms large in each and every scene in the casinos. Cinematographer James Friend makes each frame snap with the crispness of a brand new 1000 Hong Kong dollar. Composer Volker Bertelmann provides a score that moves from cavorting with blues type glee to sad ethereal tones. Editor Nick Emerson puts the whole thing together with the skill of diamond cutter; flawless and stunning to behold.

The story of a man who steals to gamble large, is interesting from the first reel. “Lord Doyle” is a small time Irish thief named Riley. PI Blythe has followed him to Macau to get money back he conned an old woman out of in England.

Riley is down on his uppers, as they say, and has a pretty intensive meltdown. Dao Ming saves him and he repays her by taking money from her as well.

It Works

As a sort of morality tale, or even a cautionary one, Ballad of a Small Player works. Despite Lord Doyle’s bout of conspicuous consumption at the start and later in the film, he really is a small player. Like James Bond, his game is Baccarat. A game that is the polar opposite of Blackjack. Where 9 is the winning number, or the closest number to 9. This small player has the chance to win millions and repay everything he took from others.

The Verdict

Ballad of a Small Player is a 4.5 star effort, despite being somewhat of a downer. It is streaming on Netflix right now and it is one of the better offerings to be had. Head on over and see what you think.

The Trailer