Eastern Promises (2007) Reviews
- Starring:
- Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, (more)
- Director(s):
- David Cronenberg
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- R
- Category:
- Mystery & Suspense
Member Rating
My RatingAverage Ratings
19 out of 25 people found this review helpful Although he claims to be "only a driver", Viggo Mortensen's Nickolai is the enigmatic center of "Eastern Promises". His motivations, loyalties and desires are teasingly cryptic both to the audience ... Read More Although he claims to be "only a driver", Viggo Mortensen's Nickolai is the enigmatic center of "Eastern Promises". His motivations, loyalties and desires are teasingly cryptic both to the audience and to Anna (Naomi Watts), a London midwife who stumbles into the world of the Russian mafia. Mortensen plays him to perfection: suppressed longing, steely coldness, warped humor. (He slyly offers the barber responsible for slitting a man's throat the appropriate fee from his wallet if he had finished cutting the corpse's hair). The chemistry between Mortensen and Watts is as tangible as the suspicion, but it is overshadowed by the repressed desire of Kirill (Vincent Cassel), a closeted homosexual whose only means of satisfaction is to watch Nickolai having sex with a Russian prostitute. While the plot of "Eastern Promises" is neither as linear nor as taut as "A History of Violence", it continues Cronenberg's deft treatment of the themes of violence, self-denial, and self-discovery. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
22 out of 32 people found this review helpful My hubby dragged me to this movie and even though I was not exicted at first the movie I actually got into it. I am glad I went. The story is interesting and the acting is really good. Good movie ... Read More My hubby dragged me to this movie and even though I was not exicted at first the movie I actually got into it. I am glad I went. The story is interesting and the acting is really good. Good movie overall and I am surprised it was not a big hit at the theaters. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
12 out of 17 people found this review helpful Although the improbable impetus underlying this film's screenplay is a major problem, I think modern Film History is nevertheless being made between 1:17:39 and 1:20:52 in "Eastern Promises." While ... Read More Although the improbable impetus underlying this film's screenplay is a major problem, I think modern Film History is nevertheless being made between 1:17:39 and 1:20:52 in "Eastern Promises." While this screenplay is not as great as Cronenberg's "A History of Violence," Mortensen and Cassel both give memorable performances, with Mortensen, I think, raising the bar for other major actors by at least 1/2 foot -- and then some. Aside from this film's unforgettable, incredibly vigorous and realistic fight scene, Mortensen obviously vigorously researched his part and gives what I think is an awesome performance throughout that is worthy of a Best Actor Oscar nod. (And FYI, Mortensen was born on 10/28/58, meaning he's 49-years old, which I think makes his brooding, powerful performance and overall appearance even more incredible; he looks 35, not pushing 50.) Watts is most adequate, as usual. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
18 out of 27 people found this review helpful A well thought out dramatic thriller. A great example of a genre, this film begs to become the first in a series. Some great acting all around in this movie. Viggo Mortensen is a modern genius actor ... Read More A well thought out dramatic thriller. A great example of a genre, this film begs to become the first in a series. Some great acting all around in this movie. Viggo Mortensen is a modern genius actor in a league all his own. I can't think of another actor (past or present) that could be as convincing playing this part of a Russian Mafia henchman. Mortensen has it all: originality, looks, athleticism, flawless timing and expressions, perfect Russian accent. (Have you ever heard the way other actors like Brad Pitt, Tom Cruise, or Pierce Brosnan butcher foreign accents? Aweful.) This movie held my interest throughout. Be mindful of some gruesome gore you may want to averty your eyes from. Hey, that comes with the territory in this genre. If you liked The Godfather, this will satisfy. This movie is a short story in comparison. But, it is well produced using top notch materials. And it doesn't have a "directed" feel to it. It flows. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
14 out of 22 people found this review helpful I was not planning on viewing this movie, I was talked into it by a friend. I was rather surprised by the movie and thought it was like watching what would have been the international version of the ... Read More I was not planning on viewing this movie, I was talked into it by a friend. I was rather surprised by the movie and thought it was like watching what would have been the international version of the Godfather. It is way to upscale and plot driven to be compared to Scarface, but Godfather Yes. It is not often I am surprised these days by Hollywood anymore but this was a good movie that sucks you into its plot and you even loose track of time. I like to rate movies good if you loose track of the time. If you fall asleep then it is Super bad . If you keep looking at your watch or shifting around in your seat then it is bad. If you can not stand it and leave really bad but as I thought this movie would do these things I am here to say no it did not. Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
12 out of 22 people found this review helpful This movie is intense. The violence is reminiscent of Scarface, very explicit. Viggo is really convincing in this film. Besides Watts, the rest of the cast is primarily B-listers, but they're performances are on par. If you like gangster films, this is a good one.WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
5 out of 14 people found this review helpful This Move was BORING ... Read More This Move was BORING ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No | ||
1 out of 10 people found this review helpful Spoiler >> The Guy claims that he knew he was setup by the father. So if thatâs the case, then why is he proclaiming that he has the stars and is in with the organization! If he was setup, then ... Read More Spoiler >> The Guy claims that he knew he was setup by the father. So if thatâs the case, then why is he proclaiming that he has the stars and is in with the organization! If he was setup, then doesnât that mean that the whole initiation was fake? Close this Review WAS THIS REVIEW HELPFUL? Yes | No |
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