Review of Eastern Promises (2007) by Cameron J — 29 Aug 2011

"If you don't have tattoos, you don't exist." Then I guess I'm just a figment of this lunatic reader's imagination, because there is no way that I'm getting a tattoo after seeing what sharp objects can do to you in this film, much less super-heated sharp objects. Seriously, I'm surprised they didn't have a scene where someone gets taken out by a tattoo needle. Seriously, this film is so gory, I had to check to make sure that Steven Spielberg didn't really direct this. I don't know why I needed to check, because even though this has Spielberg's insane gore, it cerainly doesn't have his optimism through all of it, because this film is darker than Wesley Snipes. Of course, as disturbing as this gets, that's the least of its problems, as it mainly suffers from dullness, made worse by a slow pace. Yes, this is a slow, brutal film, but when you get down to it, that's just what makes it art, as it takes its time examining this story and it is the harsh violence that truly emphasize the grit.

Outside of the fine practical effects, good score and solid twist there's not too many strengths behind this film. However, it's biggest strenth is enough to carry it through all of its flaws and make it a compelling experience. I am, of course, refering to the acting, which is really top-notch in this film. Each character has a fair share of layers and they all play them up sharply. It is a fascinating sight to see as these characters slow, but surely transform. These performers are subtle and quite competent in how they execute their characters' layers and I'm not just saying that because there's not much else to talk about. Okay, I kind of am, but that's the point, because this is a pure character study and if you go in expecting that, then you can expect to be satisfied.

Overall, "Eastern Promises" is a brutal, when not slow ride that feels a deal longer than it runs, but if you attach yourself to the characters that it is all about, - which shouldn't be too hard, what with all of the great performances - then you're looking at a fascinating, well-crafted study on the brutal truth behind the criminal underbelly of Russia.