David Cronenberg’s Eastern Promises (2007) is often hailed as one of the most underrated gangster movies of the 2000s, features a standout performance by Viggo Mortensen, whose portrayal of an enigmatic and morally complex character solidified his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors.
The film is a British-Canadian co-production directed by David Cronenberg, known for his psychologically intense, often unsettling films, and of course, body horror, which is minimized in this movie due to the more realistic setting, but present nonetheless. The screenplay, written by Steven Knight, explores themes of loyalty, identity, and survival within the brutal hierarchy of the Russian mafia and is set and shot in London, having re-watched it recently, it didn’t even look or sound like London except for a few characters having British accents, showcasing how a group of migrants can create a world of their own in foreign settings.
The film’s gritty realism and unflinching portrayal of violence set it apart from conventional gangster films, earning it critical acclaim and a dedicated cult following me included. The film stars Viggo Mortensen as Nikolai Luzhin, a mysterious driver and wannabe enforcer for the Russian mob, alongside Naomi Watts as Anna Khitrova, a midwife who becomes entangled in the criminal underworld. The supporting cast includes Vincent Cassel as Kirill, the volatile son of a crime boss, and Armin Mueller-Stahl as Semyon, the patriarch of the crime family. David Cronenberg’s direction brings a chilling authenticity to the story, further elevated by the performances of the ensemble cast.
The story begins when Anna (Naomi Watts) discovers a diary on a deceased teenage girl who died during childbirth. The diary, written in Russian, leads Anna to uncover the girl’s connection to a powerful Russian crime family. As she seeks to unravel the truth, she crosses paths with Nikolai (Viggo Mortensen), a stoic and calculating figure who works for the family. What follows is a tense and morally ambiguous tale of power, betrayal, and redemption, culminating in a shocking and unforgettable climax.
While Eastern Promises didn’t achieve blockbuster status, it has since been recognized as a hidden gem in the gangster genre. Unlike traditional mob films that glamorize criminal life, the film offers a raw and unflinching look at the brutality and moral compromises of organized crime. Its focus on character development and psychological tension, rather than action set pieces, while moving at a cozy pace, sometimes depending a lot on the actor’s aura, especially Viggo, sets it apart from other films in the genre. Over the years, it has gained a reputation as a must-watch for fans of poignant, character-driven crime dramas. Having said that, I don’t know what poignant means, but I think it fits this film.
Viggo Mortensen’s performance as Nikolai is nothing short of mesmerizing. His portrayal is layered and nuanced, blending quiet intensity with a palpable sense of danger. Mortensen’s physicality and swagger are particularly noteworthy; he carries himself with a commanding presence that exudes both menace and vulnerability, at the same time possessing a fucked up charm with the tendency to make offputting jokes with himself as the only audience. But don’t be fooled by his calmness, he is battle-ready, his tattoos show that he has never been forced into anything in his life.
Music by Banyo Cat
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