Only God Forgives Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Mommy issues escalate to extreme violence in a neon-drenched karaoke-fueled fever dream.

🍿 Only God Forgives: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to Julian’s World

Julian, played by Ryan Gosling, operates a Muay Thai boxing club in Bangkok as a front for his drug business. He’s a quiet and troubled American expatriate with a penchant for observing rather than actively participating, even in his own life. His world is filled with dark desires and suppressed emotions. His life takes a turn when his brother, Billy, commits a heinous crime. Billy rapes and murders an underage prostitute, setting in motion a chain of events that exposes the brutal underbelly of Bangkok’s criminal world and the twisted family dynamics at the heart of the story.

The Angel of Vengeance

The murder of the prostitute draws the attention of Lieutenant Chang, portrayed by Vithaya Pansringarm, a retired cop and self-proclaimed “Angel of Vengeance.” Chang dispenses his own brand of justice, often bypassing the legal system to deliver swift and brutal punishments. He allows the father of the murdered girl to avenge his daughter’s death. Chang’s actions are unsettling, blurring the lines between law enforcement and vigilante justice. He becomes a central figure, representing a twisted sense of order in a chaotic world, challenging conventional notions of morality and retribution.

The Arrival of Crystal

The dynamic shifts further with the arrival of Crystal, Julian’s mother, played by Kristin Scott Thomas. She is the head of a powerful criminal organization and a dominating force in Julian’s life. Crystal is ruthless, manipulative, and deeply invested in her sons’ success, albeit in a twisted and controlling way. Crystal’s arrival ignites a desire for vengeance, pushing Julian to confront the individuals responsible for his brother’s death. Her presence underscores the Oedipal themes present throughout the film and intensifies the tension and violence.

Escalating Violence

Driven by Crystal’s influence and his own internal conflicts, Julian is pulled into a violent confrontation with Chang. The film showcases disturbing and graphic scenes, emphasizing the brutality of revenge and the psychological toll it takes on those involved. The violence serves as a visceral representation of the characters’ inner turmoil and the pervasive corruption within the Bangkok underworld. It challenges viewers to confront the dark aspects of human nature and the consequences of unchecked power.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Julian (Ryan Gosling): A drug smuggler in Bangkok’s criminal underworld, haunted by his domineering mother and a thirst for revenge.
• Crystal (Kristin Scott Thomas): Julian’s ruthless and manipulative mother who arrives in Bangkok to avenge the death of her favorite son.
• Lieutenant Chang (Vithaya Pansringarm): A retired police officer dispensing his own brand of brutal justice in Bangkok’s criminal underbelly.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Crystal: “You call that a hard-on?” – Crystal says this to Julian, emasculating her son in front of Mai, his prostitute ‘girlfriend’, highlighting their dysfunctional relationship and questioning Julian’s masculinity.
• Julian: “Want to fight?” – Julian asks Chang this right before a brutal fight scene, showcasing his willingness to confront the ‘god-like’ figure.
• Crystal: “He must have had a reason.” – Crystal says this about Billy when being informed that he raped and killed a 16 year old girl.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $4,800,000
• Domestic Gross: $779,188
• Worldwide Gross: $10,658,332

💥 Only God Forgives Reviews

Personal Review

I walked out of Only God Forgives feeling like I had experienced something unique, if unsettling. The visuals are striking, and the color palette is dominated by blood red and electric blue. Ryan Gosling’s performance is understated, almost to a fault, but Kristen Scott Thomas is captivating. It is an experience, not just a film.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of neo-noir and crime films”
  • “Viewers interested in stylized and visually driven cinema”
  • “Those who appreciate ambiguous and thought-provoking narratives”
  • “Admirers of Nicolas Winding Refn’s directing style”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Graphic violence”
  • “Strong language”
  • “Disturbing sexual content”
  • “Oedipal themes”

Professional Reviews

• High on Films: “Refn’s Only God Forgives is visually stunning, but the plot is paper-thin. Gosling delivers a subdued performance, while Scott Thomas shines as the manipulative mother. Though atmospheric, the film lacks substance and feels like style over story. The action is visceral but ultimately unsatisfying.
• IMDb User: “This is the worst movie I have ever seen. If you like listening to a sixty year old Thai policeman sing karaoke for an hour you will like this movie.The story was so incoherent and so confused throughout this film.

Audience Reactions

The cinematography and visuals are stunning and create a unique, surreal atmosphere.: Viewers praised the artistic direction and visual style but were divided on the narrative.

Overall Consensus: A visually striking but divisive film that polarizes audiences with its extreme violence and minimal plot.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Nicolas Winding Refn has stated that the film is a fairy tale about a man fighting God.”
• “The film is dedicated to Alejandro Jodorowsky, the director of surrealist cult classics like ‘El Topo’ and ‘The Holy Mountain’.”
• “Gosling and Refn used silent film techniques to communicate ideas and emotions, minimizing dialogue and relying on visual storytelling.”

🖥️ How to Watch Only God Forgives?

Only God Forgives is available for streaming and purchase on various platforms. You can find it on demand through services like Prime Video, Apple TV, Vudu, and Google Play Movies. Check your preferred platform for rental or purchase options.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Only God Forgives, you might like these similar films:

• Drive (2011): Also directed by Nicolas Winding Refn and starring Ryan Gosling, it features a similar visually-driven style, slow pace, and shocking violence, with a protagonist who is stoic and mysterious.
• The Neon Demon (2016): Another visually stunning film by Nicolas Winding Refn, it explores dark themes and features a similarly stylized aesthetic, although set in the world of modeling rather than crime.
• Irreversible (2002): Known for its extreme violence and unsettling atmosphere, it shares a similar transgressive and shocking approach to storytelling.
• Enter the Void (2009): Features a similarly psychedelic and visually arresting style, exploring themes of death, rebirth, and the human condition in a disorienting and immersive way.
• Oldboy (2003): A South Korean revenge thriller with brutal violence, a complex plot, and a protagonist driven by vengeance.

🛒 Only God Forgives Related Products

• The Nicolas Winding Refn Collection (Drive / Bronson / Valhalla Rising / Only God Forgives) [Blu-ray]: This Blu-ray collection features four visually striking films from director Nicolas Winding Refn, offering a deep dive into his unique cinematic style and storytelling.
• Official Only God Forgives Movie Poster: A high-quality print of the Only God Forgives movie poster, capturing the film’s striking visuals and neon-noir aesthetic. It will be a stylish addition to any film lover’s wall.
• Ryan Gosling: Anatomy of an Actor: A deep-dive into the career and filmography of Ryan Gosling, an actor known for his stoic performances. This is a perfect piece to understand his role as Julian.

🎧 Soundtrack

Only God Forgives features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Jai-Orn (Falling in Love)” – performed by Fon Thanasuntornas
• “Anasthasia” – performed by Broncho

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Only God Forgives EXPLAINED – Movie Review (SPOILERS)

Hey movie buff, want to dive deeper into the enigmatic world of Only God Forgives? Chris Stuckmann’s spoiler-filled review will unravel the movie’s complexities, leaving you with a newfound appreciation for this thought-provoking film.

Only God Forgives — Behind the scenes clip no 1

Curious about how Only God Forgives came to life? This behind-the-scenes clip will take you on a journey through the production, giving you a glimpse into the magic of filmmaking.

Only God Forgives BOOED at Cannes?!

Did you know Only God Forgives caused quite a stir at Cannes? Chris Stuckmann breaks down the reactions and buzz surrounding its festival premiere, giving you a taste of the film’s impact.

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