Review of Eastern Promises

Entertaining and absorbing film that grows more diffuse as it goes on, and builds to an unsatisfying conclusion that doesn't jibe with the atmosphere of extreme fealty and violence so effectively developed during the first hour. The climax is a lot less explosive than anticipated, and the film's resolution short changes two of the film's most interesting and superbly acted characterizations, Krill and Semyon. The climactic scene involving the baby and Krill is almost laughable. Looking at times like a combination of Kirk Douglas and Frank Gorshin, Viggo Mortensen is fine, says little, and possesses a commanding stillness. The rest of the cast is first rate, and Amin Mueller Stahl as Semyon and Vincent Cassel as Krill are outstanding. The film contains well-written scenes with convincing dialog and character development though Noami Watt's character(Nancy Drew vs. the Russian mob) and the narration from the dead girl's diary begin to seem obtrusive.

Though Eastern Promises doesn't completely deliver, it's an accomplished film in many respects, the supporting cast, production design and cinematography provide an authentic atmosphere, and a couple of set pieces will undoubtedly provoke strong reactions.