Review of Eastern Promises (2007) by Nadine B — 24 Jun 2010

Most of the time a man's story is written in their brains, their heads, their mind. But within the Russian mob it is written on their body. How? With tattoos. "If you don't have tattoos, you're nobody" is a quote from Eastern Promises, a film directed by David Croenenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen and Naomi Watts. But in this film, the story of people isn't only written with tattoos on their body, but also in a journal.

When a pregnant 14 year old prostitute gives birth and dies on the shift of Anna Kitrova, in order to find her family she takes her journal. But the journal is in russian, so she has her uncle translate it. But, as her uncle doesn't want to, she takes it to a local restaurant, which is unfortunately owned by a Russian mob leader. From here, Anna gets involved with the dangerous world of the mafia.

Eastern Promises is a powerful film that exposes the Russian mob at their work. The film was really well built by director David Croenenberg, who often on his films focuses on social and psychological themes. His execution was brilliant. Their isnt any flaws on the direction. He did a good job directing the actors, who did a fantastic job too. Viggo Mortensen plays Nikolai Luzhin, a quiet and mysterious driver of the family who dangerously approaches Anna. His Academy Award nominate performance was brilliant. He doesn't show any emotions, but is cold and mysterious. He becomes the character, he truly captures the essence. Featuring also with great performances were Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel and Armin Mueller Stahl. It was amazing, their job. They too become the characters.

The film was brilliant. It is charming, but also is strong and horrifying. The work of the mob will make some twist. Croenenberg does a great job capturing the mob at their work.