Review of Only God Forgives (2013) by Anna I — 26 Jan 2014

Did anyone else see this and what did you think?

Critics and viewers either loved or hated it. No middle. I totally agree. I for sure fall into the loved it category.

I know this movie got most criticism for extreme violence, lack of character development and lack of dialog. None of those things bothered me.

I didn't expect this to be a sequel to Drive (loved) as some did. I guess I had just read enough to know it wouldn't be. There were similarities..long hallway shots, little dialogue, long shots of a single thing, etc.

The cinematography was amazing..so good. I really appreciated the long scenes and use of sporadic neon/fluorescent lighting, etc. to show the darkness of Bangkok.

Yes, Ryan Gosling said about 20 words the whole movie, but that didn't matter. The lack of dialogue had me focusing more on watching, the same way subtitles does. It made things more interesting and intense.

I love Ryan Gosling in darker roles (Lars and the Real Girl, Drive, Half Nelson). I thought he was great.

Kristin Scott Thomas was the biggest surprise. I have never seen her in a movie like this. She played an international drug ring leader who had "unusual" feelings towards her sons. A very dark and disturbing character.

Obviously a lot could be interpreted from this one. I personally thought the theme was forgiveness and redemption in the eyes of a symbolic figure (the police officer), but I could be way off. Either way, worth my watch.