A dark and gritty sci-fi thriller, 12 Monkeys stands apart from other sci-fi films, due to its unique and twisted concept on the future of mankind, which could only be brought to life by director Terry Gilliam, whose distinctive oddball style has created a highly imaginative and hugely successful film.

The movie follows convict James Cole (Bruce Willis), who has been sent from the year 2035 to the year 1996, to find a sample of a killer virus which is to be unleashed upon the world, killing 5 billion people.

Accidentally sent to the year 1990, he is placed in an insane asylum where he meets psychiatrist Kathryn Railly (Madeline Stowe) and resident nut Jeffrey Goines (Brad Pitt). As he escapes from the asylum and consequently sent to the right year, he and Railly must try to find the "Army of the 12 Monkeys", a radical group which is linked to the deadly virus.

Gilliam's vision of the future showcases a great use of set design and costume, while the films take on time travel seems much more primitive and dangerous compared to other films who have dealt with the same subject.

Bruce Willis continues to take risks as an actor, opting to stay away from the wise cracking action roles he is usually associated with. As James Cole, Willis perhaps delivers his best performance yet, showing a range and vulnerability he has not shown before.

Brad Pitt as well goes against type straying away from his 'worlds sexiest man' tag and stealing every scene whenever he appears. With Pitt, it seems the more bizarre the character, the better his performance (think Snatch and Kalifornia). Yet it is this performance as Jeffrey Goines that is his best thus far, rambling on about anything and everything while giving the finger to anyone he pleases.

Madeline Stowe also gives a career best performance.

Be warned that this is not your typical Hollywood fare and there are a lot of unanswered questions at the end of the film. But for those of you with on open mind (and with any Terry Gilliam film you will need it) 12 Monkeys is a rare treat by one of films more eccentric visionaries.