Only God Forgives (2013): Visceral Vengeance In the Shadows of Retribution
Only God Forgives, directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, is a visually and unapologetically brutal exploration of revenge and redemption. Starring Ryan Gosling in the lead role, the film takes you on a haunting journey through the seedy underbelly of Bangkok's criminal underworld. While its uncompromising style and enigmatic narrative may polarize viewers, those like me willing to delve into its dark depths will find a visceral and thought-provoking experience.
The film creates an atmospheric world that is both seductive and menacing. With its neon-lit streets, smoky rooms, and hauntingly beautiful cinematography, Only God Forgives is like a surreal dreamscape. And herein lies its flaw - the meticulously composed shots, slow pacing, and deliberate minimalism of dialogue often overshadow the storytelling, making it distanced and detached from the characters and their motivations.
Ryan Gosling, known for his ability to convey complex emotions through minimal dialogue, delivers a good performance as Julian. Only God Forgives does not shy away from portraying violence in its rawest form. The brutal and stylized fight scenes are unflinching.
The plot remains vague and elusive, leaving many questions unanswered and rendering the overall story frustratingly obtuse. However, the direction style of Nicolas Refn presents the narrative as deliberately leaving room for interpretation, with its ambiguous character motivations and enigmatic symbolism.
Only God Forgives is a visual and thematically complex film that pushes the boundaries of conventional cinema. Nicolas Winding Refn's style, Ryan Gosling's performance, and the film's unflinching brutality create an very unique cinematic experience. It will alienate most if not all who watch it - definitely not for everyone but for those who want to experience something different, this is one to explore.
I rate it 3 out of 5.
Direction Rating: 0.5/1
Cinematography Rating: 0.75/1
Story Rating: 0.5/1
Acting Rating: 0.75/1
Film Score Rating: 0.5/1
IMDB Link: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1602613/
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