Bronson

Hardy delivers one of the finest performances I've ever seen in this visionary Refn drama. Just spectacular. 4.5/5

Bronson on Netflix

Fear X

This early Refn thriller showcases his cerebal understated style but is too nebulous & unclear to make an impact. 2.5/5

Fear X on Netflix

Only God Forgives

This is going to need a longer review from me so pardon the length of this. People are very divided in their opinions about this film, and I can certainly see why. This looks and feels for all the world like a Kim Ki-Duk South Korean revenge thriller - lush cinematography, beautiful palettes, long slow shots, silent or mostly-silent characters, and intense violence. And if you aren't familiar with this type of film I'm sure this movie would feel utterly alien and overly violent. What's even more interesting about "Only God Forgives" is that it's penned by Danish writer Nicolas Winding Refn, the esteemed author of the "Pusher" trilogy. So, in addition to a South Korean visual feel it has a marvelous Danish sensibility about it in that doesn't feel the need to explain or explore any more than what's needed. It's a brilliant pairing that works together just fantastically to create an intensely gruesome yet poignantly beautiful film that I just loved. My one complaint would be that they had Ryan Gosling, who works so beautifully in silence, and they didn't give him a meatier role like we might have seen with Choi Min-Sik or Johnny Hallyday. With that complaint aside, I found this film utterly amazing, and if you are a fan of South Korean film and Scandinavian sensibility you will as well. Loved this very much. 4.5/5

Only God Forgives on Netflix

Pusher 3: I'm the Angel of Death

The last installment of the Danish thriller series was less impactful than the first two but an interesting finale. I've never been so aware of the reality of dismembering a body before. Eeesh. A solid series, really well acted. 4.5/5

Pusher 3: I'm the Angel of Death on Netflix

Pusher 2: With Blood on My Hands

Mikkelsen gives a magnificent nuanced performance & sells this edgy sequel in the Danish indie thriller series. 4/5

Pusher 2: With Blood on My Hands on Netflix

Pusher

Nicolas Winding Refn's thriller is brilliantly crafted & wonderfully acted - I can't wait to see the rest of the series. 4/5

Pusher on Netflix

Drive

I don't get the hate - this tightly packed character melodrama was gripping & suspenseful with a wonderful cast. 4/5

Drive on Netflix