Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Jian G — 23 Jul 2017

Only God Forgives is a lurid, brutally violent, surreal experience from beginning to end. Most have found the film to be exploitative, style over substance trash, but I think in future years, Only God Forgives will be reexamined for its unique commentary about the nature of violence, masculinity, and morality.

The plot involves a man named Julian, living in Bangkok, Thailand, after fleeing the U.S. for killing his own father. Along with his older brother, Billy, they run a Muay Thai fighting that is a front for drug dealing.

But when Billy is killed for brutally murdering an underage prostitute by the command of the mysterious Lieutenant Chang (Who seems to view himself as some sort of angel of death against criminals...and loves karaoke!), Julian's mother orders him to track down and kill the man.

Julian himself is an insert for the audience, not really having any inner thoughts, only being commanded by others. His personal life is also strange, given that prefers to watch his girlfriend, Mai, masturbate instead of having sex with her.

I guess you can say this is a commentary on the audience, too, given our penchant for cinematic voyeurism in the realm of sexuality. It's a film that explores the true nature of violence, the nature of vengeance, societal commentary about violence and sex, and our expectations as the viewer from what we expect from a film.

Only God Forgives is a one of a kind beast of a film that certainly leaves an impression long after it's over. It's also destined for future cult classic status that will demand reevaluation and interpretations.