Style Over Substance?

Reviews for Nicholas Winding Refn's 'Only God Forgives' skew negative. Like this from Jon Frosch:

Only God Forgives succeeds to some extent as a pure stylistic exercise, with a few fine Lynchian moments blurring reality with erotic and violent fantasies, as well as some amusing Freudian undertones. 

But it never casts the spell that it should (the 87-minute running time feels longer), and Gosling, as magnetic a screen presence as he is, desperately needs to get out of the taciturn-bad-boy mode he's been stuck in for the last few years (Drive, The Place Beyond the Pines, and now this). 

Luckily Thomas is on hand to liven things up, tearing into her sadistic, foul-mouthed, sexpot Mommie Dearest role with infectious glee and the slightest touch of real feeling. 

And this from Shaun Munro:

Easily the most vocally-received film of the festival so far, Refn’s latest was met with colossal boos and jeers at its world premiere (though remember, so was The Tree of Life), and even its defenders will likely agree that it confounds the expectations set by the director’s last film. This isn’t to say that Only God Forgives should merely be Drive redux, but what Refn has served up here is an almost entirely superficial and wholly obtuse film that clearly aims to provoke its audience to infuration.

Even positive comments sound funny. From Peter Bradshaw:

Only God Forgives will, understandably, have people running for the exits, and running for the hills. It is very violent, but Winding Refn's bizarre infernal creation, an entire created world of fear, really is gripping. Every scene, every frame, is executed with pure formal brilliance. 

Is that good?

The YouTube comments haven't been very positive, either.
































As for myself, it looks gorgeous. Camera, lighting, editing are very confident. Bradshaw got it right, this is pure formal brilliance. The story might not be there but 'Only God Forgives' should be intoxicating to watch.

Here's the latest trailer.






















.

More Brutal Combat Scenes From 'Only God Forgives'

Wow. Cuts like a knife. Beautiful, elegant, horrifying.



If you missed it, here's another with just as much brutality but a lot less talk.




 
















.

'Only God Forgives' Clip

This movie gets under my skin. Not often that happens.

Nicholas Winding Refn shoots in an atmospheric way, akin to Terrence Malick, except with a much more immediacy and plot energy. Scenes are captivating and repulsive in equal measure. You try to turn away but can't because you're entranced, staring and slack-jawed, then the next shot starts and it's worse/better. The effect is breathtaking.

Ryan Gosling's character is seriously compromised -- exactly what's required for good story.

Right now 'Only God Forgives' is looking like required viewing.

























.

Jangly Searing New Trailer for 'Only God Forgives'

Intense, but doesn't flow well. Was reminded of 'Heat', especially at about :30 when the music starts.

Nicely set up character as Julien (Ryan Gosling) is chided by his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) to avenge the murder of his brother. There's plenty depth.

Looks to be another confident outing for Nicholas Winding Refn, who is putting together a remake of 'Logan's Run', which sounds excellent. That kind of story could come off way superficial in the wrong hands.

Must-see, can't-miss.
























.

Wanna Fight?

Well. Do you?
























.