Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Travisfinn — 19 Jul 2013

Can I tell you it confused me when this film was booed at festivals? Can I also tell you I was distraught when I realized why some people booed it? The only problem I find in Only God Forgives, is that it's boring.

That's it. That's the real reason why I can understand this film is mixed. Coming from Nicholas Winding Refn's last neo-noir film, Drive, I was pumped when I first saw the trailer for this movie. Ryan Gosling reinforced the 'Man with No Name' character in Drive and I absolutely loved his performance.

But take that awkward silence in parts of the film, multiply that by at least 5, and there you have the scenes in Only God Forgives. Take the good-willed nature of the main character, erase it completely, and leave an almost silent character who seems more mad and evil than being the protagonist.

Basically speaking, take what was dear and good in Drive, and leave it as a dull and emotionless art film. Gosling's performance as the slightly disturbed Julian is written over by the character's lack of good dialogue, and no reason to root for him at all.

The narrative sounds good on paper, but feels dragged painfully slow against scenes that are considered art, which as well cut short actual thrilling scenes. Now don't get me wrong, Refn does keep you entertained with some real cringing violence.

Unfortunately, it's not even that grueling to keep you entertained or full-on disgusted. There are some scenes worth mentioning; the trailer-hinted fight with Gosling and Vithaya Pansringarm and... actually, that's the only real highlight I have.

In conclusion: Unlike many rude festival attendees, I think God and me can forgive Mr. Refn for this boring art piece. Though I can sadly say Refn has turned into the filmmaker who attempts to stick to what he did before, but got a little too carried away.

Only God Forgives is a visual gritty art film, plagued with dull and lifeless characters who hardly interact in scenes at all, causing many boring moments, and leaving us only slightly awakened to whatever the hell it was trying to tell us.