OSCAR WATCH

EASTERN PROMISES
****1/2 /5

Why do films about organized crime continue to intrigue the masses? Films describing gangsters and there way of life have been made over and over again so why would we think that one more film about the mob or gangsters is going to appeal to us? Well because every once in awhile a film like “Eastern Promises” reminds us just how enthralling the criminal world actually is. The tale of the film revolves around life in the Russian mob that operates out of England. Viggo Mortensen’s character Nikolai, is a “driver” and personal bodyguard, working for an influential Russian mafioso. The family is ruthless and yet they are very discreet, making sure every atrocity is neatly covered up. That is until a young prostitute dies during childbirth leaving behind a newborn daughter and her diary. A midwife depicted by Naomi Watts, bares witness to the birth of this child and the death of her mother, and seeks to find out who this prostitute was so that she could find a home for the child. Using the prostitute’s diary as a guide she finds out that her path leads her to Nikolai and his “family.” I refuse to divulge what happens next because that would be a great injustice to the person reading this review. What I am willing to say is that the film is refreshingly sharp and well developed. Director David Cronenberg does the audience a great favor and makes sure that he only filmed sequences that made sense, sequences that furthered the story. He never strays and remains true to the film’s basic premise rather than making just another gangster movie. Mortensen’s character is a stoic figure and throughout the film, Mortensen reminds us that even though Nikolai is involved with the underworld he never seems to relish his life of crime. If it weren’t for Daniel Day-Lewis and his performance in “There Will Be Blood” I would say that Mortensen should be awarded the Oscar for his vivid depiction. Lastly the film speaks about issues such as child prostitution and the rituals of the Russian mafia, issues that are overlooked in most films today. This makes watching the film that much more illuminating.