Blu-ray Review: Wasteful Style of Boring ‘Only God Forgives’

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CHICAGO – Nicholas Winding Refn’s “Drive” made perfect use of its director’s ultra-stylized, hyper-violent aesthetic in that it became a commentary on the superficial world of moviemaking and crime and the place that they often intersect. It’s a great film. On the other end of the spectrum is Refn’s follow-up, a film that’s practically a quasi-sequel in that it again features Ryan Gosling as a stolid, nearly-silent hero. However, the end result couldn’t be different in terms of quality. Not only does “OGF” get buried in its style but it loses all semblance of anything worth giving a damn about at all. I don’t mind movies that are overly stylish. In fact, I often defend them. But there’s no defending something this boring.

Rating: 1.0/5.0

Gosling and the scenery chewing Kristin Scott Thomas are merely visual tools fo Refn’s dark, sleek vision of the Thai underground. I’ve heard some compare this story of two men set against each other after the murder of a prostitute and a fight club owner’s brother to Shakespeare but I think that’s mistaking moodiness for depth. This is Refn crawling so far up his own vision of darkness and violence that he leaves no room for us to follow. Gosling certainly doesn’t do anything wrong and Kristin Scott Thomas’ performance is the best reason to see the film but there’s nothing to hold on to in terms of plot or character. Even the violence has been more entertaining and stylish, and recently. Just rent “Drive” again instead.

Only God Forgives was released on Blu-ray and DVD on October 22, 2013
Photo credit: Anchor Bay

Synopsis:
Only God Forgives reunites the vision of renowned director Nicolas Winding Refn (Drive) with Ryan Gosling in a gritty thriller set in the seedy underbelly of Bangkok. Julian (Ryan Gosling), an American fugitive from justice, runs a Thai boxing club as a front for his drug business. His mother (Kristin Scott Thomas), the head of a vast criminal organization, arrives from the US to collect the body of her favorite son, Billy. Julian’s brother has just been killed after having savagely murdered a young prostitute. Crazy with rage and thirsty for vengeance she demands the heads of the murderers from Julian. But first, Julian must confront Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm), a mysterious policeman - and figurehead of a divine justice - who has resolved to scourge the corrupt underworld of brothels and fight clubs.

Special Features:
o Feature Commentary With Writer/Director Nicolas Winding Refn
o Behind The Scenes
o Director Interviews
o The Music Of Only God Forgives With Cliff Martinez

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com