Review of Eastern Promises (2007) by Connor C — 19 Oct 2015

Eastern Promises benefits from a strong Russian atmosphere and a harsh look at modern day mobsters that aren't given as much spotlight as the Italian or Irish. The thought of such violent and bloody criminals living among the common folk is an unreal almost surreal idea which is beautifully and shockingly realized in the film.

Along with a string of well-performed and impactful characters, the performance to focus on is above all Viggo Mortenson as Nikolai Luzhin, the slick, viscous and yet compassionate rising Russian mobster.

Mortenson transforms completely in the role with a calm cool demeanor, a lot of tattoos and a very convincing Russian accent, bringing more of a heart to the character as well as a presence which will not soon be forgotten.