Thursday 5 December 2013

Movie review - The Place Beyond the Pines (2012)

The Place Beyond the Pines (2012) / drama

Directed by Derek Cianfrance
Written by Derek Cianfrance, Ben Coccio and Darius Marder
Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes, Ray Liotta, Ben Mendelsohn, Rose Byrne, Bruce Greenwood, Dane DeHaan, Emory Cohen
Trailer: click.

PLOT
Three different stories that are yet connected. First one deals with the family life of outlaw anti-hero Luke (Ryan Gosling), who now wants to take care for Romina (Eva Mendes) and their baby boy whom she has kept a secret from him. The transition from story one into story two introduces young rookie cop Avery Cross (Bradley Cooper) who exposes his police department to be corrupt. The third story begins fifteen years later where Luke's son and Avery's son become friends. Not giving too much away, you'll find out correlations when you see the film.

REVIEW
I have very mixed feelings about this one. Ambition to weave together three stories linked to the same event is interesting but I’m sorry to say it tries too much. The Place Beyond The Pines wants to be a crime thriller with revenge story and corruption story as well as family drama with father and son Greek tragedy. Very big problem is also film's length. The first part is engaging but when focus shifts from first story, it becomes a different movie and starts running out of steam. Another disappointing thing is that films unfolds in a obvious, cliché manners. On the positive side: starts with good pace, intense drama with captivating performances and character development. Film also gives you subjects to think about, like how life is not just about you, how you affect others, etc. Movie is not brilliant but still good and worth watching. 3+/5



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