Focus Films with BBC Films in association with Scion Films present a 100 minute definitely R rated to say the least dramatic crime thriller directed by David Cronenberg and starring Viggo Mortensen (Nikolai - aka "the Driver), Naomi Watts (Anna), Vincent Cassel (Kirill), Armin Mueller-Stahl (Semyon, aka - Papa) with Josef Altin (Ekrem), Mina E. Mina (Azim), Aleksandar Mikic (Soyka), Sarah-Jeanne Labrosse (Tatiana), Sinead Cusack (Helen), Jerzy Skolimowski (Stepan) and a cast of supporting extras.
If you liked the "Godfather", "Goodfellas" or "The Sopranos", you'll love this Russian mafia crime driven mystery that is excellently directed, written and acted by all the main characters, leaving nothing to the imagination other than the inner horrific thoughts of coming face to face with the likes of this family of criminals. Right from the start of the film a close shave gets a bit to close and a piece of tissue will definitely not help this gossiper. Money talks but you know what never walks to tell about it!
On December 20th, a 14 year old mother, Tatiana, dies but a newborn baby survives under the care of midwife, Anna, who by the way also struggles with her own past traumatic pains. Anna, brings home to her mother and uncle Tatiana's diary which outlines the horrible violent acts that have been forced on her by certain members of the Russian mafia. An argument with her uncle about translating the diary in hopes of finding the young girls parents so she can deliver the grand-daughter, who she named Christine, after the Christmas holiday inclines her to follow a business card found within the diary. Sometimes the unknown can lead you down the wrong path in this case leading her to seek Semyon's help in translating the young girls written Russian words. Little does Anna know that these translated words implement that the crimes on Tatiana were done by Kirill and his papa Semyon, leader of the Russian mafia and owner of one of London's fine restaurants.
The story not only contains the English language but Russian as well which is accompanied on the big screen by subtitles that adds to the quality of this brilliant thriller. The pertinent score is dark along with the plot which leaves the gut-wrenching story line realistic to the audience senses. Papa, the leader of the family has one son, Kirill, who happens to be a drunk and possible queer, to use their harsh words exactly. Nikolai, the driver, takes care of many of Kirill's personal and business needs but leaves Kirill to test his drivers sexual preferences during a scene with some local whores, leaving you contemplating the possible truths of the dead gossiper. But remember blood is thicker than water and even a story teller has family with motives of revenge.
Anna is just an ordinary person but Nikolai is not just some ordinary driver. There are several twists and turns in this story that are filmed with graphic violence, male and female full frontal nudity, sexual innuendoes and strong language. Let just say the old bath house has a whole nude meaning! Not to say to much more to the plot since it would be too easy to give away too much. I personally would not want to ruin this excellent albeit gruesome at times must see film. Skewed of course towards the male audience this film should by all means deliver a number of Oscar nods especially one for Mortensen.
Personally, I have a tattoo which symbolizes the life and death of my mother but in this film Nikolai and the mafia members are all covered with Tattoo's which tell a story all to itself. Look for the star and you will discover their acceptance into the family. For some it is earned while for others it is a birthmark. Many leave Russia to find a better life but truly the grass is not always greener on the other side especially when you're six feet under it. In the eyes of those who understand the way of the mafia mostly it is kill or be killed but sometimes exile takes the place of death. But it is pleasant to know that there are some good guys still out there looking for that little drop of blood that will uncover truth and justice. For some the end may not be what you expect but for others it is just that, alone in a dark empty room filled with strangers tying up all the loose ends! One of the best films I've seen this year more than worth a trip to a theatre near you.
Reporting for Talkin' Pets, I'm Jon Patch.