Eastern Promises

Viggo Mortensen’s penis narrowly avoiding a good knife gouging anyone? The most extreme fight scene in cinema, not only with full on gore but also full male nudity, has finally arrived to a cinema near you. Sadly, this becomes the main talking point of the film as its commentary on the criminal migrant experience in London falls slightly upon the wayside.

Cronenberg’s latest effort is a strange one; yes, it encompasses the moody atmosphere of an underground London, but is it convincing enough for us? There certainly exist some struggling aspects in regarding the plot. Crucial moments simply disregarded in explanation, unlikely romantic pairings and unconvincing character reactions make it somewhat more difficult to argue the films merits. Eastern Promises cannot, however, be faulted for its no holds barred attitude to violence, as Cronenberg certainly doesn’t hold back. A seemingly ludicrous Guardian reviewer described this as “a feature length episode of The Bill”, but I’ve never seen an episode with quite as many grittingly turn-away moments as this.

Released 26th October 2007 by Serendipity Point Films.

Written by William Peach.