Read Mixed User Reviews for Only God Forgives

4

TVJerryAug 5, 2013

Ryan Gosling plays a crook Bangkok. When his brother is killed, his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) arrives to demand revenge. This was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, who worked with Gosling in "Drive." I pretty much hated that movie too,Ryan Gosling plays a crook Bangkok. When his brother is killed, his mother (Kristin Scott Thomas) arrives to demand revenge. This was directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, who worked with Gosling in "Drive." I pretty much hated that movie too, but at least it had some velocity. The pacing here is glacial (with the long pauses eliminated, it would be 20 minutes long). It's painfully pretentious and intensely serious. What little brutality from the villain is almost always off-screen. The saturated, stylized look references Chinese director Kar Wai Wong, so while it looks cool, it's just tedious. The only thing to recommend it is the amazing chameleon performance by Scott Thomas.… Expand

4 of 6 users found this helpful42

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4

luraybellJul 23, 2013

I feel like I just ate a turd sculpted by Michelangelo. Cinematographer Larry Smith did an incredible job making one of the most gorgeous flicks I've ever seen. Unfortunately writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn tried way too hard to make anI feel like I just ate a turd sculpted by Michelangelo. Cinematographer Larry Smith did an incredible job making one of the most gorgeous flicks I've ever seen. Unfortunately writer/director Nicolas Winding Refn tried way too hard to make an art house film that made absolutely no sense whatsoever. This movie was boring, slow, pointless and borderline racist. I feel like I might have enjoyed if I was really high.… Expand

3 of 5 users found this helpful32

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6

Eon2323Aug 3, 2013

There is no doubt that this film is raw, unnerving, visceral, unrelenting yet aesthetically beautiful. Some times the story will become muddled into the overbearing violence this film has. Despite that, there is something about this film thatThere is no doubt that this film is raw, unnerving, visceral, unrelenting yet aesthetically beautiful. Some times the story will become muddled into the overbearing violence this film has. Despite that, there is something about this film that remains with the viewer. And I think that's the whole point.… Expand

1 of 2 users found this helpful11

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5

TravisFinnJul 20, 2013

Can I tell you it confused me when this film was booed at festivals? Can I also tell you I was distraught when I realized why some people booed it? The only problem I find in Only God Forgives, is that it's boring. That's it. That's the realCan I tell you it confused me when this film was booed at festivals? Can I also tell you I was distraught when I realized why some people booed it? The only problem I find in Only God Forgives, is that it's boring. That's it. That's the real reason why I can understand this film is mixed. Coming from Nicholas Winding Refn's last neo-noir film, Drive, I was pumped when I first saw the trailer for this movie. Ryan Gosling reinforced the 'Man with No Name' character in Drive and I absolutely loved his performance. But take that awkward silence in parts of the film, multiply that by at least 5, and there you have the scenes in Only God Forgives. Take the good-willed nature of the main character, erase it completely, and leave an almost silent character who seems more mad and evil than being the protagonist. Basically speaking, take what was dear and good in Drive, and leave it as a dull and emotionless art film. Gosling's performance as the slightly disturbed Julian is written over by the character's lack of good dialogue, and no reason to root for him at all. The narrative sounds good on paper, but feels dragged painfully slow against scenes that are considered art, which as well cut short actual thrilling scenes. Now don't get me wrong, Refn does keep you entertained with some real cringing violence. Unfortunately, it's not even that grueling to keep you entertained or full-on disgusted. There are some scenes worth mentioning; the trailer-hinted fight with Gosling and Vithaya Pansringarm and... actually, that's the only real highlight I have. In conclusion: Unlike many rude festival attendees, I think God and me can forgive Mr. Refn for this boring art piece. Though I can sadly say Refn has turned into the filmmaker who attempts to stick to what he did before, but got a little too carried away. Only God Forgives is a visual gritty art film, plagued with dull and lifeless characters who hardly interact in scenes at all, causing many boring moments, and leaving us only slightly awakened to whatever the hell it was trying to tell us.… Expand

2 of 5 users found this helpful23

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4

DemoraseJul 23, 2013

Beautiful colors, beautiful music, beautiful shots, beautiful actors. Isn't this a lovely way to waste an hour and half watching a movie with nothing going on, interrupted only periodically with some senseless violence and culminating ofBeautiful colors, beautiful music, beautiful shots, beautiful actors. Isn't this a lovely way to waste an hour and half watching a movie with nothing going on, interrupted only periodically with some senseless violence and culminating of course with nothing? Meh.… Expand

3 of 8 users found this helpful35

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4

Friskytiger81Jul 24, 2013

What worked for "Drive" doesn't work for "Only God Forgives". There's very little story and character development here and the drawn-out pacing, more so than what was used in "Drive", amplifies how little is going on. Without the brilliantWhat worked for "Drive" doesn't work for "Only God Forgives". There's very little story and character development here and the drawn-out pacing, more so than what was used in "Drive", amplifies how little is going on. Without the brilliant neon cinematography from Kubrick's D.P, Larry Smith (Eyes Wide Shut) and the incredible soundtrack from Cliff Martinez, there would be nothing the hyper-violence would warrant seeing. A very, very polarizing film.… Expand

2 of 6 users found this helpful24

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5

python2000Dec 15, 2013

Definitely an achievement and skillfully executed, Only God Forgives is intelligent but much less enjoyable than brainless action movies like The Wolverine and World War Z.
I think this because director Nicolas Winding Refn concentrates moreDefinitely an achievement and skillfully executed, Only God Forgives is intelligent but much less enjoyable than brainless action movies like The Wolverine and World War Z.
I think this because director Nicolas Winding Refn concentrates more on the set design and lighting than the plot and character development. "Like watching a lava lamp for 90 minutes" said one listener too Mark Kermode's review show, and he's very right. I can't deny that it's visually striking and totally unique, but neither can I deny that most of the time I had no idea what was going on. Maybe if they included more than 40 lines of dialogue in the movie then I might have been able too make an educated guess on what the hell Ryan Gosling was doing. But it's Nicolas Winding Refn's trademark too be all arty and unique when directing movies, so 40 lines of dialogue it is. Which is a shame because the premise has the potential too be very interesting .
Only God Forgives deserves too be regarded as a visual delight and masterfully designed, but I would not recommend it due to it being very hard too follow and overly abstract.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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5

jamessOct 24, 2013

While watching early on, two words popped into my head.."PULP KUBRICK". The lighting, set design and compositions (esp the serpentine wallpaper, the nightclub with the red lanterns, the colored tile,etc.) reminded me of Kubrick. Did notWhile watching early on, two words popped into my head.."PULP KUBRICK". The lighting, set design and compositions (esp the serpentine wallpaper, the nightclub with the red lanterns, the colored tile,etc.) reminded me of Kubrick. Did not realize until afterwards that Larry Smith worked on Eyes Wide Shut. And although individual scenes have power, the movie seems more of an excercise in style over substance (yes, I know, that old cliche), while referencing The Grifters or Resevior Dogs. Ryan Gosling broods alright given he only has about 11 lines of dialogue thoughout. Kristen Scott Thomas keeps in check a role that could have spiralled easily into camp. It's like an adaptation of a graphic novel nobody ever read, a movie that I can admire, but just not like a whole lot.… Expand

1 of 3 users found this helpful12

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6

NBAluke579Sep 24, 2013

Probably the most divisive and polarizing movie of 2013. Only God Forgives is not a bad film. It's not. But it's not great one either. Let's start with the good. The visuals and cinematography are breathtaking. Each shot is stunning andProbably the most divisive and polarizing movie of 2013. Only God Forgives is not a bad film. It's not. But it's not great one either. Let's start with the good. The visuals and cinematography are breathtaking. Each shot is stunning and vibrant.It's a atmospheric film, and it's dark sinister vibe draws the viewer in. It's definitely an experimental film, and one better suited for art-house audiences. Now let's start with the bad. The film is extremely slow, and the narrative is rather weak. The characters are more symbols rather than truly fleshed out human-beings.You never truly feel invested in what's unfolding on screen. Overall I think OGF is worth checking out, if your looking for something "unique" and "different" than the norm. If your just looking for a casual film to watch, stay far away. My rating: 6.7/10… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

Ryguy50Jul 27, 2013

This movie really dissapointed me and seemed just like a worse version of drive. The slow pacing of the movie and lack of dialogue make it hard to watch. There are really no relateable characters in the movie so i found myself not giving aThis movie really dissapointed me and seemed just like a worse version of drive. The slow pacing of the movie and lack of dialogue make it hard to watch. There are really no relateable characters in the movie so i found myself not giving a what happens to them.. For once i agree with the critics, there wasn't much good about this movie.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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5

snoozepillJul 27, 2013

Yeah, it's pretty bad. The script is just... atrocious. BUT it isn't as terrible as the reviewers say it is. As others have noted, it does a great job of capturing a Lynch-ian dreamlike vibe. That kind of atmosphere is rare in cinema theseYeah, it's pretty bad. The script is just... atrocious. BUT it isn't as terrible as the reviewers say it is. As others have noted, it does a great job of capturing a Lynch-ian dreamlike vibe. That kind of atmosphere is rare in cinema these days, so it deserves some respect for that alone. The cinematography is top notch and Cliff Martinez's score is subtle and fantastic. Like "Drive" it has the claustrophobia and nightmarish inevitability of a Grimm fairy tale or Greek tragedy, but what's missing here is a heart. There's no one to root for, no struggle to identify with. The film is destined for cult status and I know several cinephiles who are already crazy about it, but I'd say this one is for die-hard Refn fans only.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

theseparatorDec 18, 2013

I was able to stomach Drive. Maybe I even kind of liked it. There were
some parts of Drive that kind of maybe even kicked a$$, like the
opening scene So, I really wanted to like this film, or at least, at the bare minimum, make up my mindI was able to stomach Drive. Maybe I even kind of liked it. There were
some parts of Drive that kind of maybe even kicked a$$, like the
opening scene So, I really wanted to like this film, or at least, at
the bare minimum, make up my mind after I'd watched it, but I just
could not do it. I had to bail out when the ridiculous mother enters
the picture.

I love that it's set in Bangkok, and all the aura that this could
provide, but besides potential, which is never developed, there is
little else of value. The charters don't treat the country with
respect, and if this is supposed to be some kind of statement, it fails
in all possible intended variations.

All the ridiculously over done, tyring-to-hard scenes shot with weird
lighting when normal lighting would have sufficed idiotic. The
overexposed, deep colours of the hotel are not artistic but stupid.

What the heck are Gossling and his crew doing in Thailand anyway?

So many more complaints than this, but it's all the time I'm willing
spend analyzing this very disappointing film.… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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4

cjdynamiteAug 20, 2013

As lots of reviewers have said, an I agree, Drive is in my top 5 movies ever, Gosling is my favourite actor. He's aloof as ever in this but even his awesomeness can't save it. It's just not good, nothing about it is endearing or evenAs lots of reviewers have said, an I agree, Drive is in my top 5 movies ever, Gosling is my favourite actor. He's aloof as ever in this but even his awesomeness can't save it. It's just not good, nothing about it is endearing or even likeable. It has it's moments but I just didn't care about the characters, the story, or even making it to the end. It's not all bad, It's shot, ok, which is a massive step down from Drive. It's not that bad, but I won't be watching it again.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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4

Rokudaime-donoSep 25, 2013

This is one of the weirdest, slowest (it's ULTRA slow!), and most minimalistic movies I've ever seen. There is very little dialogue to tell the story, but there is also virtually no action, so on a whole, not much happens. And in addition theThis is one of the weirdest, slowest (it's ULTRA slow!), and most minimalistic movies I've ever seen. There is very little dialogue to tell the story, but there is also virtually no action, so on a whole, not much happens. And in addition the whole movie is so slow that it's almost like watching in slow-motion (I'm not exaggerating, you'll know what I mean once you watch it). And the ending was kind of stupid. It was also hard for me to feel for any of the main characters; to care about what happens to them.

I guess this movie is meant to be either a weird piece of art for the artistically minded, or a strange psychological trip, or a mix of both. As far as entertainment goes however, it doesn't have much to offer...… Expand

0 of 2 users found this helpful02

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5

Bob_LoblawMay 2, 2014

After watching the artistic triumph that was Drive, I was eager to see what the next collaboration between Winding Refn and Gosling would bring. Sufficed to say, I was disappointed. Sure, the technical aspects of the film were impressive andAfter watching the artistic triumph that was Drive, I was eager to see what the next collaboration between Winding Refn and Gosling would bring. Sufficed to say, I was disappointed. Sure, the technical aspects of the film were impressive and the cinematography arguably surpassed that of Drive's. This film was in dire need of a screenwriter; there wasn't any depth to this film. There was a lack of good dialogue, or rather dialogue itself. I'm not against minimalist films (2001 is my favourite film) but

"Wanna fight?"

is as corny as they come.… Expand

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

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6

SpangleFeb 12, 2016

There is more good than bad here in director Nicolas Winding Refn's bloody follow-up to Drive. Personally, I prefer this one to Drive (though I need to watch it again). What holds this one back is the hyper violence. It is just honestly tooThere is more good than bad here in director Nicolas Winding Refn's bloody follow-up to Drive. Personally, I prefer this one to Drive (though I need to watch it again). What holds this one back is the hyper violence. It is just honestly too much. That being said, there are not many films as beautiful as this one and as artistic as this one. Sporting such Russian concepts as the "Kuleshov effect" and montage, Only God Forgives is a highly artistic exercise in the hands of the ever talented Refn. The acting is pretty non-descript, namely thanks to the lack of dialogue for the most part. That being said, what acting there is, is solid. It is wooden, but that is purposeful, so the actors did a good job capturing that. The cinematography and lighting are both truly breathtaking and what stand as the main reason I largely did enjoy this one. Though it is not for everyone, Only God Forgives is a beautifully crafted film that may seem aimless and meaningless to some, but if you are willing to indulge it, you should enjoy it, but only if you do not mind such brutal violence.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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5

MattBrady99May 21, 2016

"Wanna fight?"

Only God Forgives is still a mix bag for me, even after re-watching it I'm still having mixed feelings about it. But the movie looks so beautiful and the cinematography is freaking flawless. The soundtrack is the highlight"Wanna fight?"

Only God Forgives is still a mix bag for me, even after re-watching it I'm still having mixed feelings about it. But the movie looks so beautiful and the cinematography is freaking flawless. The soundtrack is the highlight of this movie and Kristin Scott Thomas was pretty good too.

Refn is the kind of director that will continue to make people have split opinions with his movies, and that could be a good thing or a bad thing, but to me, I view it as a good thing. I mean just look at Kubrick and lynch.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

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