The first thing you need to know about Drive is that it goes two ways. You either come out of the cinema thinking it's the best film you ever watched in the century or you won't even stay till the end. Drive isn't your typical Hollywood action movie (if you think it was...) and has a lot of stylized shots and 'artsy' scenes that some may think otherwise. I won't say it's a testosterone-fuelled movie like Fast and Furious, but it really depends on individual liking on a different kind of genre.
The opening of the movie really sucks you into the film with Ryan Gosling and his superb driving skills. It's pretty amazing how a movie can sustain with a nameless main character. Ryan Gosling was only known as 'the driver who has amazing skills'. With this movie, there is no hesitation why he is being dubbed as the next Sean Penn. There may not be many lines for him, but the emotional depth of his character tells a story by itself. His vivid expressions and monotonous voice enhances the way the story is told.
If you feel uncomfortable watching during the first hour, chances are you won't be smiling during the credits roll. In your mind, it's probably something you want to forget and trying to figure out the minds of the producers and director of the film were when conceptualizing this film. Perhaps a lot of question marks will be floating above your head but don't worry, you are not alone.
On the other hand, if you see yourself so pulled into the film after the first hour, this is perhaps the show for you. A simple plot broken down into complexity and character depth is something you really admire. The visual stylized shots and slow motion blood splashing gore are perhaps some of the plus points in this movie. The thriller that follows is simple high-minded and intensely gripping cat and mouse game that sends abrupt jumps here and there.
You wouldn't want to miss this film, but don't say we didn't warn you. It's either a drive through a cinematic heaven or a turn to devastation hell. My advice is to go in with prior reading of the synopsis and have an open mind on 'artsy' visual stylized film. There will be quite detailed gore scenes and a couple of cringing moments. A good movie to watch with a couple of friends and see what one another feel about the film after the show. |