Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Come2Whereiam — 05 Aug 2013

Fans of ‘Drive’ and even to a certain extent Ryan Gosling can look away now because this is Nicolas Winding Refn’s film. It is closer in tone to Valhalla Rising and he hasn’t pandered to the audience expectation, anyone expecting Drive 2 will probably be disappointed.

Uber stylish, lavish colour palette, very few words and some graphic violence make this film feel like Terrence Malick meets ‘Enter The Void’. There is the odd clichéd frame but for the most part the cinematography is stunning and aided by the rich colours means the scenery and atmosphere are as much a part of the film as any of the main characters.

Gosling, as Julian, only speaks seventeen lines in the whole film and what is lacking in dialogue is made up for in mood, the film is starkly tense, but his performance isn’t the strongest in the movie.

That accolade is shared between Vithaya Pansringarm as Chang the sword wielding angel of death and in a completely out of character turn by Kristin Scott Thomas as Julian’s twisted, foul mouthed mother.

You will have not seen her like this before and may not again; even Refn didn’t think she would agree after reading the expletive laden script. As with previous Refn films the music plays a big part and here Cliff Martinez’s score enhances the overall feel to great effect.

Murder, prostitution, redemption, vengeance and the afore mentioned violence will certainly put some off, as will the seemingly lack of story, but if you are prepared to go with Refn’s vision you will be rewarded with one of the best films of the year.