Eastern Promises (2007)

I like movies that are aware of what they are selling... without [any] greater aspirations than to make people laugh and that's it.

if their story seems completely bonkers, almost like a feverish work of fiction, you ain't heard nothing yet.

This movie tries so hard to be funny, yet it falls flat every time. Just another example of recycled ideas repackaged with women in an attempt to appeal to a certain audience.

The thing I enjoyed most about the film is the fact that it doesn't shy away from being a super-sized-cliche;

With shades of film-noir and clear inspirations from legendary mob films like "The Godfather (1972)", "Goodfellas (1990)" and "Casino (1995)", Eastern Promises (2007) unfolds as one of the greatest modern crime films of the 21st Century. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, and Armin Mueller-Stahl and is directed by David Cronenberg (The Fly, Videodrome, Dead Ringers). The story, one of intertwined violence, corruption and mystery, focuses on a Russian mob family who may be tied to the rape and murder of a Russian teenager living in London. Her diary, which contained the secrets leading up to her demise, is found by British-Russian midwife Anna Khitrova and compels her to fill in the missing pieces. Anna's search for these answers is accompanied by the posthumous narration of the victim.What separates this film from many modern crime films is the mood of the characters and the noirish atmosphere these moods seem to permeate. The musical score, composed by Howard Shore ("LOTR" franchise, dare I say more), is so evocative of the time it is portraying that to call it simply 'fitting' for the film would be an understatement - it becomes a character in itself and plays an integral role in shaping the film's authenticity and style.It is so refreshing to witness a more recent film where the characters and story develop honestly, not in a contrived manner. It's a testament to the film's storytelling and respect for its audience - where feelings and inner conflicts are at the forefront; and the violence isn't so much exploited as it is a punctuation of the characters. EP pays homage to some of the greatest classic mob films while injecting enough mystery and charm in it to become a unique entry into the genre.

"Estern Promises" is a great drama that inspires and is suspenseful to the very end. Viggo Mortensen delivers one of his best performances, right after "Captain Fantastic", and has a great chemistry with Naomi Watts and delivers a great Russian accent. The latter delivers a great performance as well and makes the viewer feel for her. The thing that most surprised me was the very authentic Russian accent by Vincent Cassel who as a Frenchman has an accent anyway but his performance is just brilliant. The story is great and is laid out in brilliant way. The movie jumps right into action in the opening sequence and then makes the viewer curious for more within the first ten minutes. A refreshing change here is that this movie is not predictable but has many twists and revelation that are very unexpected. Cronenberg portrays his characters here in an unconventional fashion but it is exactly that what makes them and the movie so interesting and intriguing. He builds up the story gradually and as the movie progresses the story unfolds in a very exciting and suspenseful way. With many medium shots and close ups the cinematography helps the viewer take in all the emotions and feelings that the characters show. In this movie facial expression often say more than words and that is exactly what the camera catches and what makes this movie so intense. All in all we can say that this is an amazing drama where all the elements fit together and where suspense is present form begging to end.

This is a very gritty, authentic Russian mob story with a relatively simple plot that works because of the brilliant performances. Throughout the film you're sucked into the very seductive world of the mob, where loyalty and love are as much in evidence as murderous psychosis. I recommend you don't read too much about the plot before you see it. It's interesting to contrast this very British production with John Wick, which is also set amongst the Russian Mafia, but in that case in America. This is a much grimier, less glamorous view of what that world might be like. Viggo Mortensen entirely steals this film with a superbly controlled menace which lurks behind his impassive facade. Not many actors would be willing to do a nude fight scene of such raw violence as occurs in this movie. But then not many could play a tattoo-covered naked Russian hit man fighting for his life in a bathhouse and get away with it as brilliantly as Viggo does. Highly recommended.

Ever since the '70s, David Cronenberg has been an edgy, unconventional director whose unflinching forays into the worlds of horror, body deformity and sexuality have garnered him a loyal fan base and rave reviews. In recent years, he's moved away from more outlandish fare to focus on gritty, realistic thrillers. After the success of 2005's A HISTORY OF VIOLENCE, he returns with this London-set thriller which explores the world of the Russian mafia, specifically through the tattoos worn by members which really do reveal their lifetime achievements.In essence this is Viggo Mortensen's film – after he did so well in HISTORY I didn't think he'd be able to top that performance, but he does and in spades. He makes his cold, calculating driver into a human being with hidden depths and it's one of those performances that you simply can't avert your eyes from. Cronenberg strives for a look at the 'truth' in this thriller; at first I thought it was going to be a revenge-style picture but in the end it's entirely unpredictable, with different strands for different lives mingling together.The subject matter is understandably dark, but to help us through there are some great performers here – Naomi Watts, so much better than in KING KONG, as the investigative midwife; Armin Mueller-Stahl as the grandiose mob boss, and finally Vincent Cassel as yet another creepy perverted type. Cronenberg moves away from the visceral even further, although the brief bursts of violence are here as disturbing as ever – there are slit throats to rival SWEENEY TODD and a naked bathhouse battle with plenty of eye-opening moments. EASTERN PROMISES is undeniably the director's most mature movie to date, and it's a brilliant one too.