Eastern Promises

Starring: Naomi Watts, Viggo Mortensen, Vincent Cassell, Raza Jaffrey, Armin Mueller-Stahl
Directed by: David Cronenberg
Rating: R
Genre: Action, Thriller
Box Office: $
2007

Times Seen:
Tim: 1

Summary: A woman (Naomi Watts) bent on protecting the baby of a deceased junkie gets involved in the Russian mob when she traces the baby back to a sinister mob boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl). As she begins to get in over her head, her only hope is a kind-hearted but dangerous thug (Viggo Mortensen).

Review:

Tim: David Cronenberg creates a fairly decent movie that does several things right, but in the end, feels a bit disappointing. I couldn't help but wish for more. The story itself is fairly powerful, and the movie has several impressive twists and turns. There are also several scenes of such shocking violence that they will not leave the viewer long after.

The movie really centers around the performance of Viggo Mortensen. His Russian accent is impressive, and he gives such a layered performance- one of outward violence and anger, but also of inner heart and kindness. I really did enjoy his performance, although I was a bit surprised he was nominated for an Academy Award for it. Naomi Watts is decent, but I couldn't help but wish for a bit more from here. Vincent Cassell gives a maniacal performance. Armin Mueller-Stahl also gives a chillingly memorable performance.

The film's highlight has to be one of the most original action scenes in years. It is a fight scene with Viggo Mortensen in a towel. This scene was very complicated, especially because Mortensen fights multiple men first in a towel, and later, completely naked (And I mean, completely. Cronenberg leaves nothing to the imagination). This is a crazy scene.

The film does have some shortcomings. There were multiple places in the film which could have had a more emotional impact. Even the film's big twist could have been more shocking had the directing been better. Just like Cronenberg's A History of Violence, this film is violent, stylish, yet surprisingly forgettable. This movie was good, but needed to be better.

Rating 1-10
Tim's Rating: 7



If You Enjoyed This Movie, We Recommend: A History of Violence, Hidalgo