Only God Forgives (2013)
Director: Nicolas Winding Refn
Stars: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas, Vithaya PansringarmRuntime: 90 minutes
Synopsis: Julian, a drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok's criminal underworld, sees his life get even more complicated when his mother compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother's recent death.
Performances: 9/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Screenplay: 8/10
Editing: 8/10
Cinematography: 9/10
Score/Soundtrack: 8/10
Verdict: Fresh off his success with "Drive", Nicolas Winding Refn reunited with Ryan Gosling to deliver what is perhaps one of the most divisive movies to come out in the past 10 years. Mostly criticized for its structure, extreme use of violence, and empty narrative, it sits with an abominable Metascore of 37, making it by far the director's worst received project.
And while I do concur that "Only God Forgives" is not exactly an accessible movie, I have to say that I was impressed with what it delivered. Not only is it a masterfully crafted movie that benefits from having some of the most beautiful cinematography in recent history as well as a score that goes with it tremendously, but what made the watch such a fascinating one was its metaphorical aspect and the story within the story. The complexity of the main characters, perfectly captured by excellent performances from Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott, and Vithaya Pansringarm is one that is explored both visually and metaphorically throughout the film. It's very important to remember that not everything is black and white within the narrative, even if it seems like it is. I was hooked from the beginning to the very end, and even as I'm writing this review cannot stop thinking about its underlying themes.
I absolutely loved "Only God Forgives" and cannot wait to revisit it soon. It's a mesmerizing exploration of one character's path to redemption and a fascinating look at justice in the eyes of a higher power. It's gorgeously shot and a true treat for the eyes, but I cannot promise that it will meet all audiences' expectations, quite the opposite in fact.
And while I do concur that "Only God Forgives" is not exactly an accessible movie, I have to say that I was impressed with what it delivered. Not only is it a masterfully crafted movie that benefits from having some of the most beautiful cinematography in recent history as well as a score that goes with it tremendously, but what made the watch such a fascinating one was its metaphorical aspect and the story within the story. The complexity of the main characters, perfectly captured by excellent performances from Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott, and Vithaya Pansringarm is one that is explored both visually and metaphorically throughout the film. It's very important to remember that not everything is black and white within the narrative, even if it seems like it is. I was hooked from the beginning to the very end, and even as I'm writing this review cannot stop thinking about its underlying themes.
I absolutely loved "Only God Forgives" and cannot wait to revisit it soon. It's a mesmerizing exploration of one character's path to redemption and a fascinating look at justice in the eyes of a higher power. It's gorgeously shot and a true treat for the eyes, but I cannot promise that it will meet all audiences' expectations, quite the opposite in fact.
FINAL GRADE: 8/10
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