The defence The Big-Idea Head
“Form is the argument.”
Every composed frame and deliberate cut is evidence that control can be thrilling in its own right.
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Only God Forgives
Drama · Thriller · Crime · 2013
Julian, who runs a Thai boxing club as a front organization for his family's drug smuggling operation, is forced by his mother Crystal to find and kill the individual responsible for his brother's recent death.
Movie details
Only God Forgives
“Time to meet the Devil.”
2013 Drama · Thriller · Crime 1h 29m
Critical arithmetic
One number, for now.
Scores change. Arguments endure.
TMDB
5.8 / 10
Community rating
Julian, who runs a Thai boxing club as a front organization for his family's drug smuggling operation, is forced by his mother Crystal to find and kill the individual responsible for his brother's recent death.
CriticWise case file
What this film says about your taste.
Not a recommendation score. A measure of how closely the film’s taste signals resemble yours.
The archetype split
Who fights over Only God Forgives?
For the defence
The Big-Idea Head
“You watch with your brain, not your gut.”
Read their case For the prosecution
The Popcorn Loyalist
“Big screen, big feelings, no apologies.”
Read their objectionThe split comes from the same five-axis model used by the test, not audience ratings or review sentiment.
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Rapid Fire
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Names above the title
The people responsible.
Cast & crew
Directed by
Nicolas Winding Refn
Written by
Nicolas Winding Refn
Ryan Gosling
Julian
Kristin Scott Thomas
Crystal
Vithaya Pansringarm
Chang
Rhatha Phongam
Mai
Gordon Brown
Gordon
Tom Burke
Billy
Byron Gibson
Byron
Court is in session
Put Only God Forgives on trial.
Two incompatible taste archetypes. One film. Read the arguments, then issue a completely binding cultural ruling.
The prosecution The Popcorn Loyalist
“Technique in search of a pulse.”
Immaculate construction is still construction. The film may be too busy proving its craft to feel alive.