Spoilers wanna go for karaoke.

I must warn you, this one’s a strong film. I do believe this is not a pure shock film. That being said, it is very much a visually impacting movie that has long takes and slow burns interlaced with moments of very shocking violence. I’m not trying to make it sound attractive, this is not an action film. This is actually an honest reservation. This is a good film but a niche one. This won’t be for everyone.

(Credit: Gaumont)

Only God Forgives (2013) is written and directed by Nicolas Winding Refn. Julian (Ryan Gosling) runs a Thai boxing club as a front for the family’s drug operation in Bangkok, Thailand. After his brother Billy (Tom Burke) murders an underage prostitute, police officer Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm) allows the girl’s father to vengefully execute the killer. Julian finds out and tracks down the father but he decides against killing him. This brings his mother Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas), leader of the family’s criminal drug operation, to Bangkok.

This is a very visual film. Most of the story is told by actions and visual style. The director’s known use of primary colour palette and camera takes is on point, but this is more of a character-driven film. Julian is glad to be in the background, unseen and unnoticed. Now that his older brother is dead, he’s forced to take the spotlight and hesitates to take a life. His mother Crystal is highly toxic and will manipulate every situation to her benefit without concerning herself of who gets hurt. They’re both against the very mystical and almost omniscient officer Chang, who’s being brought back from retirement to solve the situation. Chang is able to second-guess everyone without effort. He also has no issues dispensing his own brand of justice. He still finishes his day singing at the local karaoke bar.

Yes, it works for the niche audience interested in the brilliant cinematography and the long takes (actually, considering other slow burn stories I’ve seen, this is nothing). But as much as I enjoy the film language visual layers that add to the story, I have to warn you that the filmmakers do not shy of rather shockingly violent scenes that will not appeal to a wide audience. This makes this a niche film that is rather great despite the violence depicted. There’s more than one sequence that could have cut away just a bit earlier to deliver the message without having to extend it further.

Extremely recommended only for a niche audience that can handle some strong visuals. Although this is not a shock film, it does have a couple of scenes in which it’s hard to watch. I can’t deny the amazing cinematography and the visual storytelling is amazing. Worth a watch only if you don’t mind pushing your boundaries, but be aware things might get ugly.

That will do for now.