Here's a review from someone on a different forum who is a big refn, drive fan.
ONLY DORIAN FORGIVES - A spoiler-free review of Nicolas Winding Refn's 'Only God Forgives'
The first time I saw 'Only God Forgives' on June 14th, I left the movie theatre laughing hysterically, and not because I found the film to be so funny, but more because I witnessed something I couldn't describe in words. I was left in a state of shock after the screening. So, I made sure to see the movie again the same day, and today I saw it for the third time. It's hard to talk about 'Only God Forgives' without spoiling stuff, so I'll just comment on the most important elements in the film.
There's been said a lot about Ryan Gosling's character, Julian not saying much(the irony here) in the movie. Actually, him having so little to say speaks volumes about the character, but I don't want to go into detail as this is a spoiler-free review. Gosling, through Julian, manages to deliver another fascinating role to his
resume. Julian isn't anything like Ryan's done before imo. This is the kind of a role that can be very tricky for an actor. If overdone, it becomes a caricature, and if it's not on point, then it's just a waste of everyone's time. Gosling nails it.
Few words on Yayaying. It should be noted that she wasn't hired for her acting skills, even though she holds her own next to Scott, Pansringarm, and Gosling. Rhatha is beautiful to look at, but there are moments in 'Only God Forgives' where you feel for her character, so she must be doing something right. I think that Yayaying does a solid work here as Julian's girlfriend/escort/toy(call it whatever you want).
On Vithaya Pansringarm. Incredible performance. He and Refn created a character that, as most of you already know, follows his own moral code. In the script version, Chang is easier to label as this or that. In the film, he truly is an enigma. He doesn't feel like a villain most of the time, and you actually feel some of the stuff he does can somehow be justified. On paper, Chang seems much more psychotic, but the subtle changes that have been done to the script make him more a human being. Don't get it twisted, he still is scary as ****, but more reasonable, I guess.
It's not really a spoiler when I'll say that the real villain of the story is Crystal, Julian and Billy's mother, played so perfectly by Kristin Scott Thomas. It really is an outstanding performance where the actor disappears, and all you're left with is the character in its purest form. I've been trying to remember a female character in a feature film that would be so complex as Crystal, but she 's on a whole 'nother level. She's so many things at once that, like with Julian, it's really hard to talk about her without going further into detail. All I'm going to say is that Crystal's relationship with her sons, her attitude towards both of them explains a lot about the brothers, and gives a very rich insight into the family's history.
As for Nicolas Winding Refn... Dude really outdoes himself with this one. He's a smart fellow. The changes that have been done to the script only serve the film good imo. The version that most of us have read is more Americanized and it absolutely feels like a genre film. It also explains the story much more. The final cut of 'Only God Forgives' has more WTF moments, meaning that Refn thought 'I'm not gonna spell it all out for you. Figure it out for yourself. That way it's more fun for me as a filmmaker, and for you as a filmgoer.' Yes, the film makes you think. There are moments when you're not really sure what the hell is going on. It's all left out to figure it out for yourself which with all of that **** that's been out there in cinemas lately, feels like a breath of fresh air.
'Only God Forgives' already turned out to be a polarizing movie, and it's only meant to divide the audiences further along the way. I can see some of you loving this film, and some of you hating everything about it, and that's absolutely ok. This film isn't for everybody. It's a quite demanding cinematic feast, one that will make some of you feel full and satisfied or one that will leave some of you with a heartburn and irritated. Despite the fact that 'Only God Forgives' isn't everyone's cup of tea, I'm pretty damn sure that most viewers will be able to appreciate the electrifying soundtrack, the stunning photography, the incredible use of light, colors and patterns, the lavish set designs, as well as the gorgeous locations. This film is a real stunner, but don't be fooled my OGF fam. There's more to it than just the stylish looks. I really do hope that once the films drops in your location, you'll be able to enjoy it as much as I have.
Oh, and just a quick note on violence in this film, as it has been discussed so widely ever since the movie came out. Apart from two scenes that really make you cringe, the violence isn't that gruesome. I could take it. Y'all can take it.
