Review of Eastern Promises (2007) by Alexander C — 07 Dec 2012

Nikolai Luzhin: [referring to Soyka] ''Okay. Now I'm going to do his teeth and cut off his fingers. You might want to leave room.''.

[Nikolai motions for Azim to go away, and then puts out his cigarette on his tongue].

Viggo Mortensen: Nikolai.

Vincent Cassel: Kirill.

Naomi Watts: Anna.

Now when I set out to watch this today I had high expectations because I loved HOV, but also I kept in mind that this is obviously a completely different story format.

The plot revolves around a family which is part of Vory V Zakone, a criminal brotherhood. A baby is left alone when the mother passes away after giving birth leaving behind the infant and a diary containing chilling revelations.

Naomi Watts as Anna who is new to this world uncovers truths from the diary is compelling to watch.

My only complaints is this thriller is a slow one which relies on dialogue as opposed to hard out action. Character interaction plays a big part, Vincent Cassel plays his role to a tee as usual and I can imagine his audition.

Ultimately it all comes down to Cronenberg's lead Man, and you know who I mean, a one Viggo Mortensen who gives a performance of acting that shows his true versatility. Shame he had such stiff competition at the Oscars. But anyway going back to his said performance, it's unrivaled. His Russian accent, his appearance, his mannerisms, smoking. He really HAD me believing he WAS a Russian. When an actor can do that, it's magic.

The film on the whole though, it's got a clever plot and important insight into the Russian Underworld in London. There's always an element of truth and in this you can smell it a mile away.

Does lack momentum in area's but whenever Viggo is on screen the film shines.

A build-up thriller which packs that Cronenberg punch. Deserves patience and being receptive to appreciate.