Eastern Promises

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Marlyn Apr 8, 2026 Grizzly, plot ,protagonist okay Viggo the enforcer naked in a bloody blade fight almost dies Naomi Watts’s poor acting performance I don’t get the C- critic reviews See more David M @Dmesuda Sep 18, 2026 Haven’t seen it since it came out, and after watching it again years later, I’ll say it’s a tight little film. Some have complained about the acting but I thought it was done well. The ending scene near the water presented itself like it was a on stage and had a different feel than the rest of the movie. See more Huntin P @PaxVobiscum80 Sep 14, 2026 A better movie than its predecessor, A History of Violence (2005), Eastern Promises (2007) has a more humane and rewarding story, and can boast another admirable performance from Viggo Mortensen. If anything he is even better here than in previous roles. Naomi Watts, not an actress I much care for, is completely convincing as a London nurse determined to find the cause of a pregnant teenager's death. Her efforts lead her towards Russian organised crime, but at no point does her behaviour appear foolhardy or merely reckless, for she is motivated by what is honourable and just. Her enquiries are met with courteous responses, but there is always an underlying menace. Mortensen plays the Russian mobster who makes himself indispensable to everyone. He is driver to the patron, a big brother to the boss's party boy son, he takes out the trash, looks after the visitors, and much more besides. Could he have ambitions all his own? Only Vincent Cassel overacts imho. Great thriller. See more Hussein A @RT00263916 Aug 22, 2026 Great performance, cronenberg ideas with darker concept See more Ian S @RT48225084 Jul 28, 2026 Expected more from David Cronenberg but there is nothing much different about this movie than has already been seen in many other Russian mafia movies. Two great performances from Viggo Mortensen and Armin Mueller-Stahl are the strength of the movie. Visually good but between scenes of violence or threats of violence there are quite a few flat spots. Not top tier Cronenberg but pretty entertaining all the same. See more Chris S @Janomi Jun 19, 2026 Rather than relying on constant action, Eastern Promises builds tension through character relationships, hidden motives, and carefully revealed information. Every conversation feels important, and the film continually rewards patience and attention. Viggo Mortensen delivers one of the finest performances of his career as Nikolai. His portrayal is subtle, intelligent, intimidating, and endlessly compelling. Naomi Watts provides an effective emotional counterbalance, while Armin Mueller-Stahl brings quiet authority to every scene he occupies. The infamous bathhouse fight remains one of the most brutal and realistic hand-to-hand combat sequences of the decade. Unfortunately, the story concludes just as some of its most fascinating power dynamics begin to emerge, leaving you wanting more. Even so, the writing, performances, and tension make Eastern Promises one of Cronenberg's finest films. See more Read all reviews

Eastern Promises

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