EASTERN PROMISES

A finely tuned and perfectly executed piece of cinema.

Eastern Promises pulls you in hard, and like any good film it engrosses you so much that you forget it’s not really happening. Nearly flawless characters and an engaging storyline make this a standout film. It is obvious that director David Cronenberg has mastered his craft. The entire cast gives brilliant performances from start to finish. Eastern Promises excels on every level.

The film has all the fixins for a killer mafia flick, but approaches each of these elements from unusual angles. Despite any uncharacteristic moves by Croneneberg, the story still unfolds perfectly. He keeps things moving right along without being too predictable or losing any focus. This story of Russian Mafia members in London is strikingly original and fresh feeling.

Each character feels utterly important and written into the overall story with purpose. They are impulsive and strong willed while maintaining a vulnerability that allows for them to transform. Even seeing some of the gruesome things that these people do Cronenberg still manages to make you feel for them. The writer, Steve Knight, incorporates a multitude of human emotion into the screenplay; while almost all of them feed off of fear. These well written characters are only augmented by the fantastic actors that play them.

Viggo Mortenson is phenomenal to watch. He brings his character to the audience with force. I would say he is even challenged on screen by Naomi Watts who plays her character perfectly. They compliment each other well on screen and make the story feel incredibly real. Then there is a supporting cast that is the icing on the cake. Everyone is entertaining throughout the film.

Eastern Promises is David Cronenberg’s follow-up to his award winning A History of Violence (2005). It is a mafia film delivered with such a well-mastered craft that it stands out on every level. This beautifully written story is complimented by a provocative score, great costuming and perfect acting. Eastern Promises is simply a fine example of how cinema should be done.


GRADE: A
TRAILER: http://www.apple.com/trailers/focus_features/easternpromises/trailer/