Kyle Perez With shades of film-noir and clear inspirations from legendary mob films like "The Godfather (1972)", "Goodfellas (1990)" and "Casino (1995)", Eastern Promises (2007) unfolds as one of the greatest modern crime films of the 21st Century. The film stars Viggo Mortensen, Naomi Watts, Vincent Cassel, and Armin Mueller-Stahl and is directed by David Cronenberg (The Fly, Videodrome, Dead Ringers). The story, one of intertwined violence, corruption and mystery, focuses on a Russian mob family who may be tied to the rape and murder of a Russian teenager living in London. Her diary, which contained the secrets leading up to her demise, is found by British-Russian midwife Anna Khitrova and compels her to fill in the missing pieces. Anna's search for these answers is accompanied by the posthumous narration of the victim.What separates this film from many modern crime films is the mood of the characters and the noirish atmosphere these moods seem to permeate. The musical score, composed by Howard Shore ("LOTR" franchise, dare I say more), is so evocative of the time it is portraying that to call it simply 'fitting' for the film would be an understatement - it becomes a character in itself and plays an integral role in shaping the film's authenticity and style.It is so refreshing to witness a more recent film where the characters and story develop honestly, not in a contrived manner. It's a testament to the film's storytelling and respect for its audience - where feelings and inner conflicts are at the forefront; and the violence isn't so much exploited as it is a punctuation of the characters. EP pays homage to some of the greatest classic mob films while injecting enough mystery and charm in it to become a unique entry into the genre.

johnwiltshireauthor This is a very gritty, authentic Russian mob story with a relatively simple plot that works because of the brilliant performances. Throughout the film you're sucked into the very seductive world of the mob, where loyalty and love are as much in evidence as murderous psychosis. I recommend you don't read too much about the plot before you see it. It's interesting to contrast this very British production with John Wick, which is also set amongst the Russian Mafia, but in that case in America. This is a much grimier, less glamorous view of what that world might be like. Viggo Mortensen entirely steals this film with a superbly controlled menace which lurks behind his impassive facade. Not many actors would be willing to do a nude fight scene of such raw violence as occurs in this movie. But then not many could play a tattoo-covered naked Russian hit man fighting for his life in a bathhouse and get away with it as brilliantly as Viggo does. Highly recommended.

Mr-Fusion You can't mention "Eastern Promises" without also bringing up Viggo Mortensen, whom, in a movie full of great acting, leads the pack. That Russian accent couldn't have been easy to master, yet he wears it like a tailored suit. And he's so restrained composed in this role - you know he's a scary bastard, but he never raises his voice. And get a load of the mundane look on his face as he snips a corpse's fingers for disposal.Aside from the sporadic bouts of violence (particularly the brutal bathhouse fight scene), the movie is largely as quiet as its star. Especially for a seedy gangster movie. And despite the dark undercurrent flowing throughout, there's a sweetness at the movie's end that seems life-affirming in the face of all of this grisly death. Just as it is seemingly damning.I guess I didn't know what to expect with this, but it sucked me right in.7/10

Asif Khan (asifahsankhan) A lot Promising Viggo Mortensen, alongside with the smoothly menacing Mueller-Stahl, is the star of this film. But Mortensen, his killer looks, his shades, that one crooked smile, the thick accent and designer clothes, of which 'the British Telegraph'notices that the 'shirt's collar is so high that his throat is barely visible, he straddles the line between cartoon-inhuman villains like Max Headroom and Robocop', steals the show.As one might expect, Eastern Promises has its fair amount of ultra violence, which Cronenberg seems to enjoy adding even when his films appeal most to adult audiences. Such as the opening: A brutal barbershop scene - The movie itself is well done, with a relatively well-paced story, some interesting developments and strong characters.A Mafia Boss, who looks as if a simple restaurant owner but turns out to be the head of Vory V Zakone (people-traffickers). And obviously the heir to the throne the alcoholic son Kirill (Vincent Cassel) and his chauffeur, Nikolai (Viggo Mortensen). Lastly, an east London midwife nurse, Anna (Naomi Watts), determined to get to the source of the death of a 14-year-old sex slave, who's infant she helped delivered, with the business card she found in the teenager's diary which after translated by her uncle turns out to be full of incriminating details about drugs and prostitution.The film is partly sets the audience on a thriller ride about whether or not this decent characters will avoid a violent end, or will end up violently. Even with great direction and writing, a few questions remains; as it does! But as for the 'Cast' - their top notch performances, surely lived up way beyond expectations - As Promised!