As a cinephile who has traversed through the labyrinth of cinema, I can confidently assert that Ryan Gosling’s performance in “Only God Forgives” is a testament to his versatility as an actor. The film, though critically divisive, is a captivating sensory experience that transcends the fuzzy, bright-pink memories of his stint in “Barbie.
Watching Ryan Gosling in Only God Forgives will quickly wash away all the fuzzy bright-pink memories of the actor singing “I’m Just Ken” in Barbie, and now director Nicolas Winding Refn’s critically panned 2013 action film is available to stream on Peacock. Loaded with some of the most brutal action scenes ever included in a film, Only God Forgives is a wonderfully evocative sensory experience, in large part thanks to its unforgettably bright and colorful cinematography.
In case you haven’t watched the film, Julian (Gosling) operates a Thai boxing gym hidden deep within Bangkok, though he conceals his true profession as a drug dealer alongside his brother, Billy (Tom Burke). Their ruthless mother, portrayed by Kristin Scott Thomas who was nominated for an Oscar in The English Patient, is the one pulling the strings. When Billy brutally kills a young prostitute, a seasoned police officer named Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm) permits the girl’s father to exact his vengeance, leading to Billy’s “justified” death. Mourning her eldest son, Billy’s mother demands those linked to his killing be eliminated, and that’s when the action starts.
In a reunion following their successful collaboration in the action drama “Drive” two years prior, Ryan Gosling and Nicolas Winding Refn came together again for “Only God Forgives.” Despite its brief stint in cinemas, this film only managed to gross $10.7 million globally. For those curious about the controversial movie’s content, they can watch the trailer for “Only God Forgives” available below.
Only God Forgives Gutted Audiences & Critics Alike
In a different perspective, critics have a contrasting view, but “Only God Forgives” outshines “The Fall Guy,” where Ryan Gosling played the lead role during the summer months. Interestingly, both films are currently available on Peacock. However, the graphic violence that permeates throughout “Only God Forgives,” a movie you should definitely watch, is a significant turn-off for many viewers. A particularly disturbing scene involves Chang (Pansringarm), also known as the “Angel of Vengeance,” slicing through a criminal’s rib cage with his sword, an act that is both grotesque and lifelike, immersed in blood and gore, much like cutting up BBQ ribs.
One reason Only God Forgives registers 37% on the Rotten Tomatoes Popcornmeter and 41% on the Tomatometer is because of how unsatisfying the final fist fight between Julian (Gosling) and the idolized former boxing champion, Chang, turns out to be. Throughout the course of the movie, Julian is seemingly built up to be this violent, hot-headed badass, but when he goes up against the “Angel of Vengeance,” well… it is a rather one-sided bout.
If you’re a fan of gritty, thought-provoking cinema, then I highly recommend checking out “Only God Forgives,” now streaming on Peacock. But fear not if you don’t have a subscription, as Ryan Gosling and director Nicolas Winding Refn’s action-packed film is freely available to watch on Tubi, Pluto TV, Plex, and even The CW Network’s website. Let me assure you, despite its intense violence, “Only God Forgives” stands tall as one of Refn’s most impressive cinematic offerings to date.
Read More
Sorry. No data so far.
2024-11-15 05:06