[Michael Reuben]

It's a great film, and very possibly Viggo Mortensen's best performance ever. He manages to make stillness more expressive than most actors' action, and every other performance is up to his level. The film is far less "programmatic" than A History of Violence, but it's not a straight-ahead thriller either. Watching the film, I had the sense that Cronenberg was less interested in the mechanics of suspense than in exploring the conflicting impulses of good and evil, honor and duplicity, through the character of Mortensen's Nikolai -- and the thrill comes from the way Mortensen keeps you guessing about what he's going to do next, and why.

Naomi Watts is luminous as always, but it's really a supporting role. Her interest in finding relatives for an orphaned baby of a teenage prostitute drives the plot, but it's not where the real action lies (IMO). Armin Mueller-Stahl may get another Oscar nomination. He's viscerally threatening with the gentlest of words.

One other point worth mentioning: The script is by Steven Knight, whose earlier script for Dirty Pretty Things demonstrated great skill at depicting an alternate immigrant world that can exist just next door, but out of sight, in a major modern city like London. The script for Eastern Promises shows the same facility.

I'm sure the film will have its share of detractors, as A History of Violence did, but I think it ranks among Cronenberg's best. And it's gorgeous to look at.

M.

[Nathan V]

It's dynamite. Liesurely paced, very absorbing drama with the trademark Cronenberg touch. A subtle sense of dread pervades the entire film, and really draws the viewer in. The acting really is stupendous- the characters are so interesting, we easily think of them simply as real people. It's a joy to read their faces and actions and wonder what their motivations are, particularly Viggo. All four principles are fantastic, and there is a scene which I will not spoil, towards the end, which I guarantee will take your breath away with its visceral immediacy. There's never been a scene like it.

Regards,
Nathan

[Robert Crawford]

This thread is now the Official Review Thread for "Eastern Promises". Please post all HTF member reviews in this thread.

Any other comments, links to other reviews, or discussion items will be deleted from this thread without warning!

If you need to discuss those type of issues then I have designated an Official Discussion Thread.



Crawdaddy

[Patrick Sun]

Director David Cronenberg has become a very economical filmmaker, which produced a well-paced film, "Eastern Promises", but not at the expense of sustaining suspense and chills where appropriate.

In London, even the most respectable of establishments can hide some dark secrets and illegal commerce. It is the birth of child by an unwed teen which provides the catalyst for the film, and propels Anna (Naomi Watts), a midwife, into finding a home for the child (mother dies during delivery), and she finds much more in her search, which leads her to encountering Nikolai the driver (Viggo Mortensen, I think almost shoo-in for best actor Oscar nomination), Seymon the Russian emigrant who seemingly hosts dinner parties at his dining establishment (Armin Mueller-Stahl could also nab a best supporting actor nomination), and Kirill the son of Seymon (Vincent Cassel) whose shortcomings somewhat disappoint his father at times.

To say anymore would undercut the story and drama that unfolds, but be assured that it's well-told and entertaining for an adult audience not too squeamish by some bits of well-timed violent encounters.

I give it 3.5 stars, or a grade of B+.

[TwoKings]

i thought the film was alright, but not great. I liked the pacing but felt alot more could be fleshed out.

[BarryS]

Excellent film. The best I've seen this year. I've loved David Cronenberg for a long time and I really never expected him to find mainstream success, but he's done so by making a pair of excellent yet accessible films and I think it's great. He's really starting to get the acclaim that he richly deserves. As for the movie, I thought it was nearly flawless. It delivers a gut punch right from the first scene and holds you in its grasp the entire time. Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassell and Naomi Watts are fabulous, but in particular I thought Armin Meuller-Stahl was amazing. He's certain to get a supporting actor Oscar nomination. The violence is perfect. It's not exploitative, it's not gratuitous, it's used masterfully and effectively. Cronenberg is truly among the best filmmakers at depicting hard-hitting realistic violence. It's a tight, economical film with not a single moment wasted, but I actually wished it was longer. I could have easily watched another half hour.

[Jose Martinez]

***** / *****

My second favorite movie of the year and so far the best dramatic film. Viggo Mortensen is just amazing. The whole cast is great. I even liked the uncle and his old school views, especially in the type of political correct world we live in today. David Cronenberg just continues to impress and amaze me.