Review of Eastern Promises (2007) by Takis T — 21 Nov 2010

Power-driven by three intimidating lead performances and supported by Cronenberg's knack for the uneasy to the eye gory detail Eastern Promises should have had enough arsenal to claim "classic" status.

If it doesn't it's because the script is underworked and rather overtly simplistic in its emotionality compared with the complexity of the characters in it. A twist in the end that falls flat on its head by being totally unconvincing worsens things.

But this film is by no means to be missed. Mortensen gives a daring show with his fake Russian accent (which sways freely from spooky to hilarious) and is constantly in charge with his imposing presence. He's an actor criminally under-appreciated, one that makes the films he's in more memorable simply by leaving his unique personal stamp in them.

It's a typically Cronenbergian creation this film, in the sense that it's relentless, grimmy and often splattery, but the director's fans would know to expect that.

One particular steam-room fight scene blows fresh air in fight scenes altogether, it will mark your mind for a long time with its toughness.

Armin Mueller-Stahl is a treat in the role of the Russian godfather and Vincent Cassel is totally on par with the film's strong performance level as he perfectly portrays the self-pitying psychotic thug.

Naomi Watts doesn't exactly have an Oscar-worthy lead but then her role doesn't actually demand much of her.

Eastern Promises is not as solid as A History of Violence was but there are films where the individual parts are sometimes genuine gems worth more than the sum.

Eastern Promises is definitely in this category.