THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 19th April 2013

Age Certificate: 15

Running Time: 140 mins

Director: Derek Cianfrance

Writers: Derek Cianfrance and Ben Coccio

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper and Eva Mendes

The Place Beyond the Pines is a film of two halves, in the first it’s action packed, in the second more slow placed. 

In the first half it consists of Ryan Gosling, a man who has to provide for his lover and young child. To do so he turns to robbing banks. This puts him on a collision course with an ambitious rookie cop, played by Bradley Cooper, navigating a department ruled by a corrupt detective.

I believe that the first half of this film will intrigue the larger percentage of the audience. Partly, because of the bank heists, the way the shots are taken are done very well. The second half grinds to a halt; it takes a look at the rookie cop, Bradley Cooper’s characters way of life and how he deals with a moment that has changed his life which occurs about half way through the film. 

The way this film changes pace is fantastic, it isn’t for some people’s taste, I take that on board but it was defiantly mine. The direction of The Place Beyond the Pines is also very stylist, the motorbike rides are shot superbly, the high scenic shots of them are quite mesmerising. It gives you a sense of calm in a hectic story. 

Yes, the main reason why this film will sell tickets is because of Ryan and Bradley in the film. The director, Derek Cianfrance has collaborated with Ryan before in Blue Valentine, I haven’t seen it, but I hear it’s pretty good however fairly depressing. The Place Beyond the Pines also is not very cheery, it gets quite dark at the end and I didn’t think it was going to go as far as it did.

The Place Beyond the Pines brings excitement and a sophisticated second half, a good mix if you ask me.

It’s definitely worth a watch.

8.0/10

ONLY GOD FORGIVES FILM REVIEW

Release Date: 2nd August 2013 (UK)

Age Certificate: 18

Running Time: 88 mins

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Writers: Nicolas Winding Refn

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Kristin Scott Thomas and Vithaya Pansringram

There are only few films where it splits the film community in half. This year that film is Only God Forgives. Some say it’s a masterpiece where as others say it is the worst film they have ever seen. I couldn’t wait to have a look and make my own decision. 

Julian, played by Ryan Gosling, is a drug-smuggler thriving in Bangkok's criminal underworld. However, he sees his life get even more complicated when his mother, Crystal, played by Kristen Scott Thomas, compels him to find and kill whoever is responsible for his brother, Billy’s recent death. 

I’m going to say it; I loved Drive! I know almost everyone says that but it was just one of those films that bought a feeling you hadn’t felt before. The romance, the tension and the direction all bought something to the table. I sat down to watch Only God Forgives wanting to leave with that same feeling.  But when I had completed the film I didn’t know what feeling I had, perhaps it was one of confusion. I wasn’t confused about the concept of the film but it was the confusion of did I like it or not. 

Right from the bat this film looks amazing, I knew it would, the cinematographer is Larry Smith; I actually think he’s a genius. Only a few flicks in the history of film look as good as this. It’s that beautiful! Directing is also outstanding apart from his twisted visions. The soundtrack is mesmerising, just like Drive, Cliff Martinez collaborates with Winding Refn again.

The downside of Only God Forgives is that it is gratuitously violent; I mean there is an eye ball stabbing in this film! You don’t need that, it doesn’t bring anything to it. Some other scenes are a bit too graphic but as Nicolas Winding Refn said violence is his fetish. I mean his favourite film is The Texas Chainsaw Massacre ever since he was 14 for God’s sake! 

The audience feels nothing for any of the characters; they are all heartless, cold and all murderers, apart from Crystal, Julian’s mother. She’s just a bitch.  Julian is a troubled child; it is possible there was forced incest between him and his mother. It’s not the typical motherly love. There is also another hidden truth that he has; all I’m going to say is that hands have a big role to play in the film. He urns for forgiveness.

Only God Forgives has hidden meanings and metaphors, mostly and probably all to do with God. I’m not going to say which character is supposed to represent God, but I’m sure you can work it out. It’s the man that is basically invincible and draws a sword from seemingly nowhere. 

I would be able to dive into this film describing meanings scene by scene but I don’t want to spoil too much. Even if one doesn’t enjoy the concept and story just go to admire the sheer beauty of the film. 

I will have to give Only God Forgives a massive complement; it’s a film that I have not seen the likes before. There should be more films that are more ’out there’ and shouldn’t worry what people expect of you. 

7.5/10 

Score could change (it’s one of those films)

Drive Review

Release Date: 23 September 2011

Age Certificate: 18

Running Time: 100 mins

Director: Nicolas Winding Refn

Writers: Hossein Amini

Stars: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan and Bryan Cranston

Review:

Drive is about a stunt man played by Ryan Gosling, with an interesting secret life. He Drives. He meets a quite girl across the hall from him; she seems to be single with a single child. But when her husband is released out of prison, it’s a shock to the Driver and things start to go downhill for him. Ryan Gosling plays the role perfectly, even though his lines must take up half a page. But this is how the Driver is supposed to be betrayed. Ryan is one of the most engaging actors out there at the moment.

The film is well paced, some may say it is slow and boring but I will just shake my head at them. The film has a very 80’s action vibe to it, from the music to the dialogue. The first scene in the film will suck you in and you will not want to look away. Apart from Ryan Gosling the director is the star of this film (Nicolas Winding Refn), because he makes it the most stylish movie of 2011. Every shot is like a painting. On the downside he does occasionally overdo it a couple of times in regards to the slow motion scenes.

 I will put my hands up to that the violence is gratuitous in some parts of the film p.s you could feel a bit sick in those scenes. Some could say that it ruins the film because it may be classed as silly and cheapens the performances of the actors, but I think otherwise, mostly because I love the film and I refuse to criticise it.

Overall, I think this is the most stylish film I have ever seen, it is well paced, the action is heart racing when it hits and Ryan Gosling plays the driver fantastically (calm, cool and ready to drive). I would give this film:

9.0/10

Here's is the trailer: