Warner Bros.

So, I took another look at it, and honestly, I think the movie really earns this discussion. I’m not sure if there’s any interest in the game over in Europe, but the film itself is just phenomenal. It’s crafted so well that you start wondering why on earth people don't make movies like this anymore—it feels almost "simple." But that simplicity is actually just the result of several perfect execution points.

First off, the direction. It’s unobtrusive. The scenes are tight—nothing extra, nothing missing, none of that unnecessary filler. Also, the film seems—if I'm seeing this right—to be completely devoid of flashbacks, those moments where we jump back in time just so the audience can catch up. Everything unfolds chronologically, right in front of us, so the plot and the characters' behavior sink in immediately and just stay there.

Second, the acting. Viggo... I mean, maybe besides Daniel Day-Lewis, I don't know if there's an actor with that much range and depth. Every movement, every expression tells a story. Especially as the plot weaves itself in and out. And the Oscar recognition was deserved. It’s rare that the word "stoicism" comes to mind when watching a character, but he conveys that exact quality required by the situation—that moment where you know exactly what he’s thinking, knowing he could just walk away from everything at any second, yet for some reason, he stays. Two scenes really stuck with me: the fight in the Turkish bath with those two Chechen guys, and then the ritual involving the tattoo where he becomes part of the Russian mob. Then you have the rest of the cast—Armin Mueller-Stahl is just brilliant. And Naomi gives her best when she's just sitting there in silence. So much of this film is left unsaid; it just hangs in the air, creating an atmosphere you can practically "see," where a character doesn't have to say "I'm struggling"—you just see it, and you see how these issues are shaking their entire existence.

Great film.

I just hope this one turns out better than History of Violence. I found that movie pretty hard to sit through.

...here he goes again, obsessing over movies that haven't even hit theaters here yet—meanwhile, they're playing in every single multiplex in his hometown. You're being brutal, 😁 😍

...no, seriously though, Josh hasn't even started filming in the States (actually, I don't know much about what's happening in the rest of the US, aside from the 🤔 festival) — but me? As a total sucker who will tolerate basically anything just because of Videodrome and Crash by David Cronenberg eXistenZ 🙄, I am counting down the days until 🙂

The movie is alright, I guess—but honestly? It doesn't hold a candle to... History of ViolenceThe characters—especially the villains—could have used a bit more depth. At certain points, I felt like I was watching a rerun of that caricature William Hurt played in History of Violence. It was also a bit jarring to see such an intense dose of social commentary suddenly dropped in; it felt somewhat forced when you consider how much the movie focuses on just pure, unadulterated carnage. That said, the acting is top-tier. Vincent Cassel really stands out because his character is easily the most animated, but honestly, the entire cast did a fantastic job. It doesn't surprise me at all that the Canadians handed Cronenberg the top prize in Toronto, but I’ll be honest—I highly doubt this one makes the Oscar shortlist this year. Unless, of course, we get a repeat of a year as unpredictable as this one. CrashHaggis Crash.🙂 )

Oh, and by the way—you can actually pick this one up through the local distributors here in the States. 😁

I actually posted this in another thread, but I might as well put it here too: it’s a good movie, but nothing more than that. To me, History of Violence was much, much better.

I wasn't a huge fan of Viggo, and Naomi was nothing special... Vincent was decent enough, though as the user above mentioned—he's the standout because his character carries most of the weight. Armin Stahl was also pretty convincing playing that ruthless Russian mob boss.

The plot felt a little diluted in certain spots. While I get that Christina's baby is the core of the story, I can't help but feel that they could have done something incredible if they had focused more on the Russian mafia angle (which we've seen a lot of in movies lately), rather than just sticking to a solid idea. It never really gets to the heart of the matter, which was frustrating for me.

Still, despite all that, it's essential viewing.

I honestly can’t quite put my finger on it, but this movie just didn't land for me...
It wasn't poorly conceived—it's certainly ambitious—but it felt a bit like they were trying too hard to shake the foundations of the genre.
And then there was that scene with Viggo Mortensen in the sauna... you know, when those two guys show up to take him out.
He’s just standing there, completely naked, fighting them off like a total beast for ten straight minutes.😱
Look, I get it—the grit, the brutality, all that stuff—but man...
The only thing that actually looked right on him was the tattoos.😍

I absolutely loved this film. There’s no messing around when it comes to the underworld hierarchy.

Basically—Viggo Mortensen is fantastic, and the veteran godfather is just as good. As has already been noted, the plot is fairly linear—so I suppose some people might miss having a massive, epochal twist in the middle of the story. Not me, though. In this genre, things can go sideways at literally any moment, but Kroneberg managed to pull everything together seamlessly from start to finish.

Highly recommended!!!

I actually enjoyed the movie. Viggo Mortensen really caught me off guard in the best way possible. It’s not like I have anything against him or anything, but he absolutely nailed this role. The whole vibe of the film just works for me. Some people might find the pacing a bit sluggish, but honestly? Those 100 minutes flew by for me.

Also... stellar movie, killer cast, but the directing is what really hits—it’s just so seamless, totally understated, kind of like someone already pointed out somewhere!!!! And honestly, the only thing that bugged me while watching was Naomi Watts. I mean, I absolutely adore her—pretty much everything she does is top-tier, including this—and she acts great, but you can just tell the role didn't quite click for her. But hey, since it's her, it's all good and forgiven, right? Definitely recommend this one to everyone! 8.3/10! 🙂

I genuinely enjoyed this film. The depiction feels incredibly grounded and realistic; much of what happens on screen is something you could practically read about in the New York Times on any given day.
The only part that didn't quite land for me was the ending.

I caught this one recently, and honestly, it’s a fantastic film.
Viggo Mortensen delivers such a powerhouse performance, though I have to admit, Naomi Watts remains one of the most grating actresses in Hollywood for me.

It reminds me of The Godfather.
I watched it a couple of weeks ago. Honestly, the more I chew on it, the more I actually like it.

Starting today (Thursday, March 6th), you can catch Eastern Promises playing at the silentcanyon26 theater!

Check out the full showtimes over at www.cinemas.com

See you there!

It’s a great movie... I really enjoyed it.

Honestly, this movie is nothing more than absolute, bottom-of-the-barrel trash!

The directing is seriously impressive. The narrative structure is clever because it leads you down one path while actually talking about something else entirely. Acting was solid too—that old mobster played by Armin basically steals the show right out from under Bardem without even trying. Music was great. Overall? I’d give it an 8.5/10. It’s a really good movie, nothing more, nothing less.

For a modern production, it's extremely well-done.
Just looking at it broadly, it's a perfectly decent, solid film.
I honestly don't get why Cronenberg is such a big deal, though this is my first time seeing his stuff.

We'll see once I've checked out his older work.

...wrote this massive post—then the server wiped the whole thing clean 😢 I guess I'll just sit here and feel sorry for myself now, shall I? 😵

I liked the movie, I guess, but calling it anything special feels like a stretch... it just wasn't.🤷

A truly excellent film. I went in with zero expectations and was pleasantly surprised. Vincent Cassel delivers a powerhouse performance. The veteran lead is superb, and Viggo Mortensen isn't overacting; he’s incredibly convincing with such restrained acting. It’s a shame Cronenberg doesn't make movies more often. 9/10.

Larry Martin11 said:...wrote this massive post—then the server wiped the whole thing clean 😢 I guess I'll just sit here and feel sorry for myself now, shall I? 😵

Please, just write the review again 😍

I thought the movie was great. It isn't perfect, but it's a very solid film...😉