Student Film Reviews

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1. Courtney Williams 12.08.13 / 10pm

   Im glad I read this review because I had no idea this movie even existed. I enjoy Ryan Gosling and this review made this movie seem very interesting and something I would want to view. I like that the reviewer stated that it deserved a high rank however made it clear it isn’t a film normal film goes would find to be a good movie.
2. Mirass Jalil 02.03.14 / 12am

   Fantastic review!! I love Ryan Gosling in “Drive,” his character is mysterious in a creepy way but simultaneously you can’t help to empathize with him, and I love that we can see the same sort of character in “Only God forgives.”
3. Anisa Sudra 04.10.14 / 9pm

   I saw this film’s trailer a while ago, and being a huge fan of Ryan Gosling, I thought I should add it to my films to watch list. the trailer did not give much insight to what the film was about, so this review filled in the blanks. From this review, it seems like an interesting film, if one reads between the lines. I wouldn’t say action packed, violent films are my favorite but i would like to check this one out. I always like to watch movies that are distinct and different than any and every other film currently out, so i will be sure to watch this in the near future.
4. Cassidy Coleman 07.05.14 / 2pm

   Only God Forgives has been haunting me, just always sitting there on my Netflix queue, for quite awhile honestly, and perhaps now it is time to give it a go and watch it. I enjoyed reading your review, you gave good insight on not only the story but the elements that might make people uncomfortable, and that was nice to read. The combination of fascinating, mesmerizing, shocking, and colorful seems very intriguing to me, and I think I can hold my own against the majority of filmgoers that disliked/couldn’t understand the film. It’s interesting that the best character in your opinion is the mother, I will definitely keep my attention on her throughout the film to see what her character has to offer.
5. Tyler Alward 10.03.14 / 12am

   Nicholas Winding Refn’s Only God Forgives (2013) in my opinion is one of the best films of last year. You are right that it is not another Drive. It was never meant to be, and it is sad that most people were expecting that. This film gives ode to classic Asian (primarily Japanese) style. You are completely right when you said there is much to this film, but there is not much to it, just like the Oedipus complex you referenced. It is supposed to tell most of the story through music, lighting, and on screen action. These are what drive the story for the most part, not the narrative itself. This film maintains Refn’s style, but is drastically different from most of his other works.
6. kyle liedblad 03.13.15 / 9pm

   I could not agree more with your take on the unique and exquisite “Only God Forgives.” Before reading your review I felt as though I was the only film goer on Earth who enjoyed (well, maybe enjoyed isn’t the right word, lets say appreciated) this film, and what it set out to accomplish. I knew going into the film that lines of dialogue were going to be few and far between given the directors previous works, and Gosling’s penchant for the strong-silent brooding type. The cinematography, music, bright lights and stoic acting set a very dream-like atmosphere and the film leaves it’s overall resolution up to each viewers interpretations. I had to sit and think about this film for several minutes once the credits began to roll in order to properly digest what I had just seen. When a viewer who goes into the movie without “Drive”-like expectations, and a wide open mind is when I feel the film would make its best impression. Those expecting “Drive 2” are bound to be disappointed. I however was not.
7. Amir Grimmitt 03.07.20 / 12am

   There are things in this movie that work, and things that do not. I agree with most of your points, the cinematography is mesmerizing, the violence is gloriously gory, and Kristin Scott Thomas is mesmerizing, but Gosling lags and the film is muddied in Refn’s sometimes over the top simplistic metaphors. I understand Julian and Billy objectify women because of the lack of love they received from their mother, I didn’t need Julian doing what he did in the end, which I won’t spoil, it was a silly. I understand Lt. Chang is supposed to represent god on some level, but having a moment where he quite literally disappears is ridiculous, also having the dream in the beginning literally show the end is lazy instead of intriguing. Nuance would’ve helped a lot in this movie, Refn doesn’t seem to yet have the confidence in his abilities to keep from oversimplifying and over explaining. I hope his next film is better.
8. Amir Grimmitt 03.07.20 / 12am

   There are things in this movie that work, and things that do not. I agree with most of your points, the cinematography is captivating, the violence is gloriously gory, and Kristin Scott Thomas is mesmerizing, but Gosling lags and the film is muddied in Refn’s sometimes over the top simplistic metaphors. I understand Julian and Billy objectify women because of the lack of love they received from their mother, I didn’t need Julian doing what he did in the end, which I won’t spoil, it was a silly. I understand Lt. Chang is supposed to represent god on some level, but having a moment where he quite literally disappears is ridiculous, also having the dream in the beginning literally show the end is lazy instead of intriguing. Nuance would’ve helped a lot in this movie, Refn doesn’t seem to yet have the confidence in his abilities to keep from oversimplifying and over explaining. I hope his next film is better.

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