Before I start slicing into this movie with my verbal katana, I need to say a few things. First off, I like Ryan Gosling. I think him a genuinely talented actor who is under appreciated for his skills because people find him attractive and seem to focus on that. Next up, I don’t hate director Nicolas Winding Refn. I thought Drive was a slow ride, but an incredibly entertaining one (outside of all the weird, silent staring). I also think Kristin Scott Thomas gave one of the best performances of the year in this movie. One great role in an otherwise crappy film.
Did Only God Forgives look cool? Yes, it looked great. But impressive cinematography does not a good film make. There needs to be story, and that was the real problem with Only God Forgives. Not only was there really no story, but there was no protagonist. You may THINK the Gosling character is, but he ends up being a shitty person, too.
Also, I did not buy Vithaya Pansrimgarm as the main antagonist at all. It felt like an actor TRYING to act like every badass he has ever seen in cinema. If your bad guy is supposed to be imposing, best make sure they cast someone imposing. Min-sik Choi from Oldboy comes to mind. Oh, and don’t even get me started on the misogyny.
Finally, that scene at the end with the hands and the stomach?! I wont spoil it here, but honestly, what the f*ck was that?
