‘Ballad of a Small Player’ Review: A Visually Stunning Film with a Predictable Climax

The film Ballad of a Small Player opens with stunning views of Macau at night, showcasing its bright hotels and casinos. The camera then focuses on a lavish hotel suite where Lord Doyle (Farrell) is passed out, surrounded by empty champagne bottles and room service leftovers—evidence of a wild night. He eventually gets up, showers, and carefully grooms himself, even shaving his thin mustache, before putting on an extravagant green suit. His preparations are interrupted by a knock at the door, and Doyle quickly hides as the bill for his expenses is slipped under the door.








