"Only God Forgives" has to be one of the most visually stunning films I have ever had the pleasure of viewing. Following the success of "Drive", Refn's new film has exceeded all of my expectations. While there is much left to desire in terms of narrative, it is easily forgivable. In fact, when faced with such visual spectacle, the narrative barely holds any importance at all. The story is quite minimal, skeletal. It follows the life of Julian (Ryan Gosling), who is a drug- smuggler, in Bangkok. After his brother gets murdered for killing a prostitute, Julian's Mother insists upon revenge for her first-born son. Ever obedient to his Mother, Julian embarks on this quest, despite his moral misgivings. Although he earns money as a drug-smuggler, Julian is quite honorable, which adds a bit of complexity to his character, and to the narrative.
While many of us ladies swoon over Gosling's good looks and brooding silence, his acting is so superb. With an innate awareness of the significance of body language, it almost seems as if characters such as Julian are written with Gosling in mind. And, well, perhaps they are. One can see the similarities drawn between Driver ("Drive") and Julian ("Only God Forgives"), such as the minimal use of speech by these characters, the long pause before speaking, and an ability to make one feel uncomfortable under their piercing gaze.
I have to admit that I have always been a great lover of violence in the cinema. "Only God Forgives" holds plenty of it. But, the violence employed is beautiful, stunning, a spectacle worthy of adoration. While there is instances that made me want to squeeze my eyes shut, they are filmed so brilliantly that I just had to keep watching. There is no escape from this dangerous, and seedy, underworld; there is no escape for the characters, and none at all for the spectator. Just as the violence is filmed in a spectacular manner, the use of framing, and lighting, are as worthy a mention. While some might feel that "Only God Forgives" has a slow-moving narrative for revenge flick, and feel a little daunted by the lengthy silences, I just cannot give this film enough praise. Clearly.
While many of us ladies swoon over Gosling's good looks and brooding silence, his acting is so superb. With an innate awareness of the significance of body language, it almost seems as if characters such as Julian are written with Gosling in mind. And, well, perhaps they are. One can see the similarities drawn between Driver ("Drive") and Julian ("Only God Forgives"), such as the minimal use of speech by these characters, the long pause before speaking, and an ability to make one feel uncomfortable under their piercing gaze.
I have to admit that I have always been a great lover of violence in the cinema. "Only God Forgives" holds plenty of it. But, the violence employed is beautiful, stunning, a spectacle worthy of adoration. While there is instances that made me want to squeeze my eyes shut, they are filmed so brilliantly that I just had to keep watching. There is no escape from this dangerous, and seedy, underworld; there is no escape for the characters, and none at all for the spectator. Just as the violence is filmed in a spectacular manner, the use of framing, and lighting, are as worthy a mention. While some might feel that "Only God Forgives" has a slow-moving narrative for revenge flick, and feel a little daunted by the lengthy silences, I just cannot give this film enough praise. Clearly.
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