Read Negative User Reviews for Only God Forgives

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DiggidyDanNov 3, 2013

Only God Awful! I was a big fan of Drive, which was a visceral, arty flick although a bit odd and with not the best acting. So I thought I would give this a shot when I saw it in the Redbox. I couldn't get through it. This is one of theOnly God Awful! I was a big fan of Drive, which was a visceral, arty flick although a bit odd and with not the best acting. So I thought I would give this a shot when I saw it in the Redbox. I couldn't get through it. This is one of the worst movies I have ever seen. Whoever did the editing deserves a permanent spot on MST3K. I wanted to Microwave the DVD and return it to the Redbox with $5 bill and a "You're welcome!" note.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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snazzyjuiceJul 23, 2013

Being a huge fan of Drive (my #6 fav) I was excited for this movie but it's almost like Refn is parodying himself. This movie is so ridiculously bad. If you were to cut out all the scenes of people staring at things this could be a 10-minuteBeing a huge fan of Drive (my #6 fav) I was excited for this movie but it's almost like Refn is parodying himself. This movie is so ridiculously bad. If you were to cut out all the scenes of people staring at things this could be a 10-minute movie. Also, it's about as funny as "The Room" it's unintentionally hilarious.… Expand

4 of 5 users found this helpful41

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ReviewCenterAug 5, 2013

This does not qualify as to be called an actual film. Completely revolting would be an understatement. It is amazing how nobody seemed to notice just how cringe worthy it was.

3 of 4 users found this helpful31

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MovieMan12Jul 27, 2013

Ryan Gosling has become a parody of himself in this relentlessly terrible film in which god will not forgive. Can someone not look at the script and tell it was awful?

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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3

RevRonNov 7, 2013

I really wanted to enjoy this movie because I liked "Drive" a lot, Ryan Gosling is a really talented actor and Nicolas Winding Refn has a pretty amazing eye behind the camera. However, the film moves slowly and, ultimately, felt like it wasI really wanted to enjoy this movie because I liked "Drive" a lot, Ryan Gosling is a really talented actor and Nicolas Winding Refn has a pretty amazing eye behind the camera. However, the film moves slowly and, ultimately, felt like it was going nowhere. It's even worse when it feels like there wasn't much to the script and Refn had to pad the film out by filling it with a lot of shots of the actors staring vacantly into the void. While the shots look nice and it has all the makings of being a dark tale of revenge, the movie just was too boring for me to find entertaining.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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1

hoops2448Aug 27, 2013

Being the follow up to a film that has already acquired cult status is tough and Only God Forgives astounds in how horrendously it misses the mark. When Julian (Ryan Gosling) discovers that his brother has been murdered he finds himselfBeing the follow up to a film that has already acquired cult status is tough and Only God Forgives astounds in how horrendously it misses the mark. When Julian (Ryan Gosling) discovers that his brother has been murdered he finds himself seeking revenge as his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) arrives in Bangkok to ensure 'justice' is served on the police officer who had her son killed. It's clear from the start that director Nicholas Wending Refn wanted to get as far away from Drive as he possibly could but the presence of Gosling proves a strong link between the two and therefore it encourages comparison. Only God Forgives plays like art house cinema and the aesthetics of the film are absolutely beautiful with Refn's obsession with neon giving the film an almost psychedelic feel. Regardless of the beauty of it, the film lacks a lead character with any real personality apart from the one Refn invites us to give him, a method that worked better in Drive when the story and supporting characters helped add detail to the mysterious driver. In this, Julian is surrounded by nameless goons and a mother so callous you gain little knowledge of who Julian is because the only person she really cares about is herself and what she wants. It's fine acting by Scott Thomas but one good character does not a film make. The most infuriating thing isn't that Only God Forgives fails to live up to Drive or the fact that its lead character is as hollow and lifeless as a tube of loo roll but that all the characters in it are so repugnant that watching them is unpleasant making Only God Forgives uncomfortable to watch in the first place meaning by the time the end comes around and nothing of substance has happened the film might actually make you angry.… Expand

2 of 3 users found this helpful21

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r8dioheadJul 20, 2013

Let me begin this review by stating that I loved Drive. I was able to overlook the "all style no substance" element of the movie and take it for what it was. That being amazing art direction, great soundtrack, and decent acting. Only GodLet me begin this review by stating that I loved Drive. I was able to overlook the "all style no substance" element of the movie and take it for what it was. That being amazing art direction, great soundtrack, and decent acting. Only God Forgives, on the other hand, was one of the most terrible movie viewing experiences I've ever had. I approached the movie with an opened mind, despite the awful reviews. I was expecting another movie on the same wavelength of drive, and I figured I would be able to find enjoyable elements of the movie. I was extremely mistaken. This movie was absolute filth. The scarce dialogue makes no sense. The actors are merely emotionless robots. And the director seems to have a weird fetish for stomach churning goriness. If you consider yourself a cinephile who appreciates a good art-house movie, take it from me. EVEN GOD WILL NOT FORGIVE THIS MOVIE. If anyone deserves an Oscar for this movie, its the person who made the trailers.… Expand

7 of 11 users found this helpful74

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2

oliver1hJul 24, 2013

Vithaya Pansringarm is the batman of Thailand in this insipid, "art-movie" wannabe, from Nicolas Winding Refn. Objectively this movie is laughable with unrealistic characters, and violence (Refn wanted it to look realistic, but it is exactlyVithaya Pansringarm is the batman of Thailand in this insipid, "art-movie" wannabe, from Nicolas Winding Refn. Objectively this movie is laughable with unrealistic characters, and violence (Refn wanted it to look realistic, but it is exactly the opposite). The plot is not much to talk about, basically a boring revenge scenario. The visuals are nice, dream-esque, but nothing new or nothing that would add to the content of the movie. I think most good reviews are very pretentious, but go see it, and decide it yourselves.… Expand

6 of 10 users found this helpful64

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DiscerningOct 19, 2013

Absolutely, without a doubt, the worst piece of cinematic garbage I have ever laid eyes upon. I nearly left three quarters through, but stuck it out in vain hope that this pretentious, grotesque, inarticulate trash heap of a movie wouldAbsolutely, without a doubt, the worst piece of cinematic garbage I have ever laid eyes upon. I nearly left three quarters through, but stuck it out in vain hope that this pretentious, grotesque, inarticulate trash heap of a movie would redeem itself. Check out other users' and critics' reviews of this film, it'll be a perfect barometer for whether their taste is trustworthy (Hint: If they liked it, avoid their other recommendations). Nothing except the cinematography was of any redeeming value in this train wreck, but the rest of the film was so utterly terrible I couldn't bring myself to give it even a "1".… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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1

TheKiddyOct 12, 2013

I can't believe I just paid to watch this. Dreadful. Good acting by the Thai cast. Nice photography. But my heavens. It's the worst kind of independent film. I would be interested to see reviews internationally as it is a Danish/French/ThaiI can't believe I just paid to watch this. Dreadful. Good acting by the Thai cast. Nice photography. But my heavens. It's the worst kind of independent film. I would be interested to see reviews internationally as it is a Danish/French/Thai production. But this New Yorker feels like it's more like a certain kind of pretentious modern dance performance or piece of performance art. It is not a movie. It is a series of poses. Kristen Scott Thomas is dreadful.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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csw12Jul 20, 2013

Nothing can save this horrendous, disgusting, painful, piece of smelly trash called "Only God Forgives". Besides being completely incoherent, the movie is like one big stare contest among a group of idiots. It is going to be tough to beatNothing can save this horrendous, disgusting, painful, piece of smelly trash called "Only God Forgives". Besides being completely incoherent, the movie is like one big stare contest among a group of idiots. It is going to be tough to beat this for worst movie of the year.… Expand

6 of 11 users found this helpful65

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1

ThegodfathersonJul 19, 2013

Let's get right to the basics, shall we? At one point in "Only God Forgives," the cartoonishly dark revenge saga starring Ryan Gosling, a man is terrorized by having sharp chopstick-like blades rammed through both arms, then both legs. OnlyLet's get right to the basics, shall we? At one point in "Only God Forgives," the cartoonishly dark revenge saga starring Ryan Gosling, a man is terrorized by having sharp chopstick-like blades rammed through both arms, then both legs. Only God Forgives is a treasure trove for cinephiles, which may be the problem. Refn's influences dominate when you most want them to fuse into a personal style all his own. The film never coheres the way Drive did. There's motion but no momentum. Gosling, meant to be a blank page for us to write on, often looks merely blank. Where Drive shrewdly mystifies, Only God Forgives stupefies. You can see its gears grinding. But I'll always hang on for a rare talent like Refn. Even when he stumbles, he leaves you eager to see what he's up to next.… Expand

6 of 12 users found this helpful66

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2

bm2759Aug 6, 2013

10 minutes into this film I asked my friend "this is boring" to which they replied "maybe it leads to something, hopefully". Once the end rolls around everyone in the cinema started laughing; either because it was actually humorous or that it10 minutes into this film I asked my friend "this is boring" to which they replied "maybe it leads to something, hopefully". Once the end rolls around everyone in the cinema started laughing; either because it was actually humorous or that it was so awful it became laughable.

As a cinephile I try to find the good in all films and make an effort to understand the plot (if any). This film truly is a struggle to sit through. It has been a very long time since I saw a film I wanted to walk out of (my friend paid so I felt obliged to stay).

There are so many bad aspects to this film. I understand what the filmmakers were trying to convey (at least I think I do) but it is so incoherent that you will find it difficult to appreciate this film. What I disliked is a follows: little dialogue which in two occasions cuts outs whilst music is only heard, long stares, awkward sexual encounters which serve no purpose, more long stares, scenes jump all over the place requiring the viewer to make sense of this mess, incoherent plot, even more long stares, I could go on.

The only positive aspect of this film was the violence. Particularly Ryan Gosling's fight scene which is stupidly interrupted as the camera changes to show a golden muay thai statue, then back and forth again.

I cannot recommend this to anyone. If you do see it and likewise hate it you only have yourself to blame.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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StudivanOct 30, 2013

What was it that I just watched? this is the most boring,horrendous movie I have seen all year, I thought nothing could be worst than the lone ranger, I was wrong and to those who give this movie good reviews.

What's wrong with you people,What was it that I just watched? this is the most boring,horrendous movie I have seen all year, I thought nothing could be worst than the lone ranger, I was wrong and to those who give this movie good reviews.

What's wrong with you people, the box office tells the real story.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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FluxeorAug 4, 2013

One might be forgiven for expecting something as wonderful as Drive from this.. however minutes into the film any notion of this is quickly abandoned. What little artistic styling presented is washed away with every cast member givingOne might be forgiven for expecting something as wonderful as Drive from this.. however minutes into the film any notion of this is quickly abandoned. What little artistic styling presented is washed away with every cast member giving performances more wooden than a garden shed.… Expand

3 of 6 users found this helpful33

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0

Antgiog1202Jun 25, 2016

Only God Forgives is known for being booed at the Cannes Film Festival and it totally deserved it. It's a metaphorical piece of sh** that doesn't have a scent of good dialouge or even standard acting performances because the director expectsOnly God Forgives is known for being booed at the Cannes Film Festival and it totally deserved it. It's a metaphorical piece of sh** that doesn't have a scent of good dialouge or even standard acting performances because the director expects you to understand the film completely with just dragged-on scenes of emotionless staring. When you do figure out the meaning to every little boring detail, you still don't appreciate anything it has to offer: the brutal violence; the gorgeous cinematography; and the action sequences.

Rating: 0/10

A+ = 10
A = 9
A- = 8
B+ = 7
B = 6
B- = 5
C+ = 4
C = 3
C- = 2.5
D+ = 2
D = 1.5
D- = 1
F = 0… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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2

JRathJul 19, 2013

As one of Drive's biggest fans I was so disappointed by this. I very often disagree with critics, but they are right on this one. Only God Forgives sucks. Plain and simple.

4 of 10 users found this helpful46

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InsatriJul 21, 2013

If I say the movie is terrible, I'm too kind. It has a 10 minutes plot spread in slow-motion across one and a half hour. Okay, some might say it's not about the characters and how they act, it's about the substance, how it's shot and variousIf I say the movie is terrible, I'm too kind. It has a 10 minutes plot spread in slow-motion across one and a half hour. Okay, some might say it's not about the characters and how they act, it's about the substance, how it's shot and various metaphors (god, redemption and so on). Yes I understood all of them but even those are childish and already seen in dozens of movies. Avoid losing 90 minutes in which you can do something better (like watching how the grass grows).… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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2

youropinionmanOct 31, 2013

I consider myself a very open-minded person, but this is truly a terrible film. It is not entertaining or interesting in any way. In other words it serves no purpose, neither as art nor entertainment nor even as titillating pornography, andI consider myself a very open-minded person, but this is truly a terrible film. It is not entertaining or interesting in any way. In other words it serves no purpose, neither as art nor entertainment nor even as titillating pornography, and it does not necessarily have any more aesthetic merit than 90 minutes of black screen would. It is a depraved film but I do not fault it merely for its depravity, I fault it because the depravity is extremely boring. I thoroughly enjoyed Drive and consider it one of the best films of 2011, which leads me to the conclusion that Refn is a relatively talented artist who is so incredibly pretentious that his entire career except for one fluke (Drive) has been one long egregious waste of his own abilities. It is a rare and fortunate occasion when he can suppress his own pretensions of genius and his obsession with making what he thinks are "grand philosophical statements" long enough to make a film that actually has some kind of humanity and/or entertainment value (Drive). Do not ever make the mistake of watching this film. It is not bad in an entertaining way that you can laugh at or make some interesting pseudo-academic analysis of, it is bad in a boring way. I am a little bit annoyed that someone as pretentious as Refn exists on this Earth. The reason I gave this film a 2 instead of a 0 is because of the technically proficient cinematography by Larry Smith.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

NoSaintsNov 7, 2013

Unwatchably bad. ONLY GOD FORGIVES is a ghastly mixture of boring and gruesome. Think David Lynch at his worst. Even a villainous bleached blond Kristin Scott Thomas cannot save this.

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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0

MrsXJan 2, 2014

What an utter pile of garbage!! I only watched to the end to see if it explained why the hell there was a karaoke bar and the police inspector was impersonating Elvis... badly. I patiently watched the whole drudgery to be met at the end byWhat an utter pile of garbage!! I only watched to the end to see if it explained why the hell there was a karaoke bar and the police inspector was impersonating Elvis... badly. I patiently watched the whole drudgery to be met at the end by the one and only sword wielding Elvis impersonator singing about someone who daren't pick a flower or some such pap! I've probably made this film sound more exciting than it is, so, word to the wise, don't waste your money!! Arty farty nonsense, but so terrible I did have a few giggles along the way.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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2

shaunmedOct 8, 2013

Artistic and hyper-violent, but pointlessly slow to the point of predictability and in the end empty and without redemption. etc etc etc etc etc etc etc.

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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JaboyKoiJul 20, 2013

Only God Forgives is just a movie we all had high hopes for and those hopes were slashed when the movie was released. It's just a movie I hate to hate. I do admit, the director did brilliantly with Drive. But here it seems like he took theOnly God Forgives is just a movie we all had high hopes for and those hopes were slashed when the movie was released. It's just a movie I hate to hate. I do admit, the director did brilliantly with Drive. But here it seems like he took the format of Drive and tried to milk it of everything we loved. The movie is has too much blood and gore, first of all. I have nothing against B&G, but it feels like they were trying too hard. The acting was mediocre at best. The dialogue formed a story that would have been good if it was executed properly. Oh, and the ending was just bad. This is just a movie that would have been good if they didn't try making a Drive 2: Bangkok. Sadly, it was just...bad.… Expand

2 of 8 users found this helpful26

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eli9494Nov 18, 2013

Highly disappointed in this movie. It's a chick flick pretending to be some crime/ drama. Every time the camera is on Gosling it pauses, there is very little dialect the whole movie. This director tried to be "artistic" or something, butHighly disappointed in this movie. It's a chick flick pretending to be some crime/ drama. Every time the camera is on Gosling it pauses, there is very little dialect the whole movie. This director tried to be "artistic" or something, but ending up ruining a movie. I was bored with it the first 15 minutes, kept watching, I wish I would have shut it off in the first 15, the ending was fuzzy,didn't make any sense, anyway a bore of a movie, I highly recommend if you have trouble sleeping, otherwise stay away.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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1

cleosdadJul 24, 2013

This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I wanted to give this movie a zero, but couldn't bring myself to give that score. Kristen Scott Thomas represents the only redeeming aspect of this film. It had no flow or real sense of narrative. Between the acts of ultra violence and sexual innuendo, the movie carried by lots of standing around and Ryan Gosling wearing the same stupid look. Totally disappointed.… Expand

1 of 4 users found this helpful13

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crossifoAug 2, 2013

One of the worst movies I have ever seen, very disappointed. Any one who watches this and likes it has serious mental issues, my unknown self-published book is a trillion times better.

1 of 9 users found this helpful18

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3

beingryanjudeSep 2, 2014

As a follow-up to the incomparable Drive from 2011, Nicolas Winding Refn has left us confused and disappointed. Only God Forgives features an even more speechless Ryan Gosling amidst an odd southern Asian noir.

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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2

Trev29Aug 23, 2013

A film gushing with art direction with no actual substance to compliment it. Between the little to no dialogue and the slow motion walking between rooms it becomes a drag, and by the end unintentionally funny. Scott Thomas provides the onlyA film gushing with art direction with no actual substance to compliment it. Between the little to no dialogue and the slow motion walking between rooms it becomes a drag, and by the end unintentionally funny. Scott Thomas provides the only window of entertainment in this movie as an incestuous wack a doodle of a mother. Other than that, this movie is just a headache.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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3

SimpleMethodJul 29, 2013

Only God Forgives is terrible. After watching it, I really wanted to watch Drive. What this movie does is it takes those scenes in Drive where people stare at each other down long hallways, and turns it into a 90 minute movie of peopleOnly God Forgives is terrible. After watching it, I really wanted to watch Drive. What this movie does is it takes those scenes in Drive where people stare at each other down long hallways, and turns it into a 90 minute movie of people staring, glaring, occasionally yelling, and sitting in a world that is predominately made out of Red, Black, and purple neon. Despite the stellar cinematography and another stellar electronic score from Cliff Martinez, this is an ugly film. There's over the top violence just for the sake of being over the top. Possibly the worst part about this disaster is that it's a relatively simple movie, but all these random shots and confusing, is-this-actually-happening moments make it a jumbled, hard to follow mess. It almost suggests there are two versions of Julian, one that wears the white shirt and one that wears the black, and that they are his divided subconscious. THAT is a good idea, but it doesn't expand on anything, and makes this severely limp follow up to Drive a true bummer. The Pros: Good visuals, solid electronic soundtrack, some base ideas are smart. The Cons: Ryan Gosling is barely utilized, and just isn't very good because he doesn't have much to work with, it was filmed with a sh*tty camera so it looks weird, there's violence for the sake of violence, it's a typical "artsy" movie that falls totally flat, weak script. Better luck next time, avoid this one. 30/100… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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3

Prodigy2013Aug 26, 2013

Hot off the exceptional ‘Drive’, Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Only God Forgives’ proved to be a very disappointing follow up. Ryan Gosling plays Julian, the owner of a Thai boxing club (a cover for his drug dealing), who seems unusuallyHot off the exceptional ‘Drive’, Nicolas Winding Refn’s ‘Only God Forgives’ proved to be a very disappointing follow up. Ryan Gosling plays Julian, the owner of a Thai boxing club (a cover for his drug dealing), who seems unusually uninterested with everything that is happening around him; and that includes his duty to avenge his brother’s murder. Clearly, Gosling watched countless zombie movies as prep work to get into character. In any case, the man behind it all was Winding Refn, whose vision was clear, but poorly conceived. He made a gruelingly violent movie, with very little going on beyond its bloody yet glossy surface. The plot was standard, and the narrative was not very intelligent; in addition, none of the characters are motivated by any real depth or meaning. They only act according to the way they were written; and I must say they were very thinly written. Being art directed and photographed to death, you can just imagine how visual striking this movie was; but even that isn't legitimate reason to waste your time on this lifeless piece of work. If you’re going to watch it for one thing, watch it for Kristin Scott Thomas’ scenery chewing performance as Ryan Gosling’s character’s diabolical mother, who urges him to take revenge. Her campy vampy turn, though cartoonish, was the only memorable thing on the screen, and that’s probably the best thing I can say about this movie. Too bad she didn't have more screen time.… Expand

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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3

KarimchiiMar 31, 2014

No matter what the film snobs say about its artistic value, I was not entertained, the film was basically Ryan Gosling staring at his hands for half the movie and an Asian dude singing terrible Karaoke. Major disappointment

0 of 3 users found this helpful03

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2

amheretojudgeSep 22, 2018

such grittiness that nothing but blood comes out of it..

Only God Forgives Only God Forgives is a character driven action thriller about a guy seeking revenge for the death of his elder brother and ends up finding out inedible revelationssuch grittiness that nothing but blood comes out of it..

Only God Forgives

Only God Forgives is a character driven action thriller about a guy seeking revenge for the death of his elder brother and ends up finding out inedible revelations about his past. Ironically, in a world where each character thrives on their emotions with such grittiness that nothing but blood comes out of it, the emotions depicted in the feature is exhaustingly shallow and at points juvenile. And the primary reason to that is their one dimensional perspective and the wafer thin characteristics handed over to each characters that they are supposed to override for the entire tale. Whenever such slow pill natured feature is to be projected, it inherently demands keen attention on details and a mature bubble that it all resides in it, unfortunately none of these aspects are in existence in here. With a incongruent background score, overly enhanced sound effects that are frankly way too loud and grows annoying, redundant and inexpressible cinematography, unnecessary slow motions and amatuer editing, that all helps in on anchoring it even more. The undercooked characters in writing easily factors in on the actors on their performance, as even Gosling and Scott Thomas fails to deliver a convincing or even more disappointing, a comfortable portrayal that is at least at ease. The writer-director Refn has a long way to run on both script and execution for he might have his vision stable, but its the chalky polishing of it itches throughout the course of the feature. The action sequences are somewhat impressive but even in such situations the editing and camera work shucks away the intensity of the sequence. The bright colors and few lethally choreographed action sequences are the only high points of the feature. Only God Forgives is a fine example of how each tiny aspects that goes under production on each day is essential, since if not taken care of, the outcome can be such a blunder.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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1

hugoferreiraAug 29, 2018

When i saw Refn "team up" again with Gosling i thought to myself "This will be good". It's not, it's bad, it's really bad. What happened? How can someone that made Drive deliver us with something this bad. Yes, because Gosling's performanceWhen i saw Refn "team up" again with Gosling i thought to myself "This will be good". It's not, it's bad, it's really bad. What happened? How can someone that made Drive deliver us with something this bad. Yes, because Gosling's performance maybe the only positive outcome here. The movie is 1h30m of absolutely nothing. Yes, powerful, raw and somewhat slow paced like it's predecessor, Drive, but it fails in everything else. You'll not enjoy this.… Expand

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