4.8/10
Senior Film Conservator

A definitive 4.8/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Flirting with Danger remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like movies that feel like they were stitched together in a hurry—but somehow still possess a weird, frantic energy—then Flirting with Danger is worth a look. It’s perfect for people who don't need a deep script but enjoy watching characters make the absolute worst life choices possible. If you’re looking for high-brow drama or subtle character growth, you’ll probably find this infuriating. Honestly, skip it if you prefer your movies to make sense.
The premise is simple: three cocky guys get sent to South America to manage a dynamite plant. Because, of course, that is where the most qualified people go to work. The whole thing feels like a bizarro version of Seven Chances, but replace the frantic search for a bride with a desperate need to avoid blowing yourself up.
Watching these guys try to act like professional powder mixers is the highlight. They have this smugness that’s actually kind of funny, mostly because you know they’re going to be covered in soot by the third act. It reminded me a bit of the chaos in Lucky Boy, where the stakes feel high but the tone keeps drifting toward a slapstick comedy routine.
There’s a specific bit where a character gets his tie caught in a machine, or something close to it, and the movie just moves on as if it didn't just happen. I had to rewind it twice because I wasn't sure if I was hallucinating the lack of consequence. Seriously, nobody stops to check if the guy is okay? They just keep talking about the dynamite order.
Is it a masterpiece? No. Is it better than the slog that was Dancing Lady? Honestly, maybe. It’s got a weird, frantic pulse to it that kept me watching even when the plot holes started getting big enough to drive a truck through. 🧨
The South American setting is clearly just a stage set with some fake palm trees, but there’s a charm to it. It’s honest about being a cheap production. It’s not trying to fool you into thinking it’s a big-budget epic. It’s just trying to get the scene done before the studio lights burn out.
By the end, I wasn't really sure if the dynamite was the main character or if it was the guys’ egos. Maybe both. Either way, it’s a messy ride. Watch it with a drink and don't think too hard about the safety regulations.

IMDb 5.6
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