ONLY GOD FORGIVES (2013) is a visually audacious film by Nicolas Winding Refn, starring Ryan Gosling as an American gangster living in Thailand. When Gosling's brother is responsible for a heinous crime and is murdered in retribution, all hell breaks loose as his mother, venomous Kristin Scott Thomas, appears and forces Gosling to go after the Thai cop who is responsible, stoically played by Vithaya Pansringarm.
Richly horrifying in it’s deeds, yet beautifully executed and photographed, the piece reminds us the terrors of Kubrick’s THE SHINING, while noting the smooth beauty and excellence of Wong Kar Wai’s IN THE MOOD FOR LOVE—each shot, each movement; every sound, every frame carries within it the exposition, climax, and resolution; each moment an eternity of past, present, and future. Atmospherically lyrical and poignant, the ambience is ethereal and haunting; the film is a ghost in our mind that lingers, scathing us with scenery and color, hypnotizing us deeper and deeper until we start to question our own sins.
Gosling gives the performance he should of given in DRIVE, or the evolution of it. The truth is in his silence, his movements, his good looks and gestures, his fucking suit. Thomas plays her part notably well as the conniving matriarch. But it is Pansringarm that steals the show--his very stature and determined looks are intimidating enough, demanding authority. He is precedence and vengeance in one.
And though the story lacks real depth, it is brilliant directing and a great reality to behold. What it lacks in character development, it makes up for in mood by way of stunning mise en scene and harmonics. The melodies and visuals set the tone with exceptional production and sound design, and the cinematography, by DP Larry Smith, reflecting off the gorgeous use of red, oranges, and blues, steals your breath. Lighting, colors, set design, costumes, music, and local all combine to prove a masterful piece work.
Surprisingly, at the closing term, it is not the white protagonist that prevails, but the well meaning colored antagonist, with cruel justice, where disdain and recklessness flounder. Such a deed is vastly unheard of in western films, especially one helmed by an acting star such as Gosling.
Truly a piece where you will either love or loathe.