Only God Forgives

Released on DVD October 2013

1.5/5

Only God Forgives stars Ryan Gosling and is directed and written by Nicolas Winding Refn who is most well known for his debut film Drive released in 2011 also starring Gosling. Unfortunately, his newest film does not showcase his true talents as a writer. While Only God Forgives is extremely stylistic and artistically compelling; the characters lack any personality or portrayal of growth throughout the film which makes it difficult for the audience to care about the turmoil that the characters are facing. Julian (played by Ryan Gosling) runs a drug ring helmed by his mother in Bangkok and when Julian's older brother is murdered a gang war ensues.

            Each and every frame is photograph worthy and obviously meticulously thought out. However, the ultra-gore and lack of narrative results in an immediate disinterest in the progress of the story. The only aspect of the film keeping our attention is the vivid images that simultaneously astound and repulse the audience. Furthermore, the electric soundtrack paired to the film is notorious for Refn's style but provides no purpose to creating any specific mood in the film. Overall, I would recommend to skip this film. If you are one who hopes to see a similar triumph such as Drive then you will be surely disappointed.