EASTERN PROMISES (2007)

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"Beautifully written and performed by actors of such high calibre. One of the best films of the year"

Eastern Promises is a beautifully written, powerful film. Its tone is dark and seedy with a steady pace. The film is quite graphic but only has 3 really violent "bloody" scenes; only one of which lasts more than a few seconds, as Mortessen takes on two men in a knife fight. This scene had me gripping onto my seat.

It is beautifully filmed and throughout Viggo Mortessen appears menacing; his actions and the way he deals with and disposes of the body is truely terrifying. But throughout there is a sense that there's something more to him. Seen mostly through his relationship with Anna; he seems almost like two people, like he switches off when in the company of the mafia; he is cold and unfeeling. But when around Anna and for a brief moment with the prostitute he seems to thaw out.

The end of the film reveals the true nature of his character and explains many things in a twist i definately didnt see coming.

Mortessen is an unbelievable talent and it takes someone of his calibre to pull of a performance like this. He is fascinating to watch and i was gripped thoughout.

This is a great story with an unbelievable cast, who together with the director have made one of the best films of recent years and one of the best gangster films of all time.