Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Al Hanafi J — 15 Dec 2013

"Only God Forgives" is quite forgettable, and that I will remember until God's calling for me. Speaking of a higher power, God forgive me but I think this has been the most disappointing movie I have seen so far in 2013. I was really looking forward for the reteaming of acclaimed Director Nicolas Winding Refn and star thespian Ryan Gosling. Their last collaboration "Drive" steered right into cinematic brilliance. However, this time they crashed. Gosling stars in "Only God Forgives" as Julian, a Bangkok drug dealer who is put in a god-forbidden situation when his tyrant mother Crystal orders him to kill who murdered her son. Winding Refn does an admirable job in once again incorporating his trademark rich color and intriguing tracking shots. However, Refn roughed it up big-time with his mundane screenplay of the picture. Gosling was mostly sleepwalking here with his starring performance as Julian; but he is forgiven due to his impressive resume'. An unrecognizable Kristin Scott Thomas does bring a spark to the movie with her crystal-clear fiery supporting performance as Julian's mother Crystal. The movie also scored a few points with Cliff Martinez' pounding score. However, all that is not enough for me to give "Only God Forgives" a must-see blessing.

*** Average.