Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Josh M — 07 Oct 2013

It doesn't have any character development to speak of, but that's the point: all of the characters are archetypes and they all serve to tell a simple story about the nature of things. In this case, the film largely deals with nature and subjective morality of revenge, but also touches on parent-child relationships (Julian's mother is kind of like Oedipus' mother), the way in which the cycle of violence affects us, and how justice is served and affects us in an abjectly cruel world.

While it touches on a lot of weighty subjects, the movie still doesn't say anything truly profound, save, that violence begets more violence but that justice will eventually be served. On the quality of the film, it's what you would expect from Refn: immaculately composed cinematic images, brilliant use of color and mood and a moody soundtrack (from Cliff Martinez, who did Drive as well) which lends a certain intensity to the whole affair.

Overall, this a great movie which should be seen by any self-respecting cineaste.