You may remember Ryan Gosling’s last partnership with Danish filmmaker Nicolas Winding Refn. In 2011, the creative duo produced the highly-stylized and downright excellent Drive. Now, two years later, they have collaborated for Only God Forgives, a visceral boxing drama set in Bangkok, Thailand. After learning that the film will be screened during the Cannes film festival, we were also treated to a double helping of the movie’s marketing – namely a poster and two new trailers, which you can feast your eyes on below:
In comparison to the first red-band teaser, these trailers give us a greater insight into the narrative that Nicolas Winding Refn has been concocting since his blistering debut two years ago. Having written the screenplay himself, Only God Forgives tells the story of Ryan Gosling’s Julien, a petty gangster who earns his keep operating in the criminal underworld of Bangkok. However, following the arrival of his street-smart mother, Jenna – played by Kristin Scott Thomas – he is coaxed into investigating the circumstances surrounding his brother’s recent death.
Though short in length, this new footage is absolutely brimming with content. Refn appears to be right at home within Bangkok as a stylish, neon metropolis and the film looks to hold a powerful, matriarchal performance in Thomas. The filmmaker has already displayed his astute sense of cinematography with Drive, and Only God Forgives looks to juxtapose its brutal violence and sinister tone with smooth and slick visuals. Plus, with an overarching villain called The Angel of Vengeance and the fact that the film has been shortlisted for the coveted Palme d’Or – a prize presented to the director for the festival’s best feature film – you can readily count us as excited for Refn and Gosling’s latest.
The film is set for a general release on the 19th July, 2013. But in the meantime, check out the trailers for yourself and let us know if you’re excited for Only God Forgives in the comments!
