Hay River

This is the 2nd time I see this movie. I'd give it an 8 for the 1st time I saw it, and a 7 this time around (I knew what was coming) it's a violent Russian Mafia Movie, where you do not see a single gun. It's only at the end that a big fact is revealed, that makes this movie original. I just read that there were talks of a 2nd part, probably taking place in Russia. I can't wait.

First let me just say, that as with many of David Cronenberg's films, this one is quite violent at times. But if you can handle the violence, this is a must. The story of a baby that barely made it and whose mother dies at birth. The hospital employee (Naomi Watts) then sorts through her complex past to discover what happened. Viggo Mortensen is at his best and the story is well told and the acting is great all around.

The soundtrack add value to peak moments of the dramatic curve of the screenplay.

Excellent movie. But the sex scene was not necessary nor seeing Viggo Mortensen naked :P

Ok, too graphic, not bad though. Very violent but good storyline.

Pretty good, slow pace for a gangster movie. Cronenberg movies are pretty interesting, he takes a different view than a typical hollywood movie. Good rental, but some pretty violent moments!

It was better then I thought. But lacking something - more subtitles and stronger ending.

A film that could have been average is made really good because of Viggo Mortensen. When he's on the screen, you don't notice anyone else. He is the focus of the film and he proves once again that he is the quintessential actor of our generation. He delves into every role as if he were there, living it. I recommend this movie for anyone who wants an intriguing, interesting look into the world of the Russian Mafia, but especially for those who want to see a performance like none other. Viggo Mortensen. Enough said.

Great movie! Not for the faint of heart...

Excellent movie. Very intense from start to finish, a few interesting twists. I really recommend it. The end is a little bit weak, that is why I do not give it 10 points!

A masterpiece in every possible way. This film has everything (drama, violence, intrigue, sorrow, sex, tension, psychology, beauty, everything!) and it exists in a flawlessly subtle and coherent whole. This movie does not take for granted anything about the viewer-- it tells its story the way it has to be told and the product is a work of art. That also means that there is no effort to spare the audience from scenes of graphic violence, realistic sexuality (including nudity), and tense social/family issues. There were quite a lot of gasps and guffaws in the cinema when I went (there were many people in attendance as it was the premiere) and the man next to me averted his eyes several times so if you have a sensitive stomach or a conformist mindset, you may want to think twice before seeing this film. If not, then by ALL means go-- it is phenomenal!!!

This movie gave some interesting insight into a very dark world that most people are unaware of and the intimate relationships between men and women in this macho culture of Russian ganster underworld in London which I found interesting and sumwhat disturbing. If you don't like gore and violence then stay away. The ending was a lilttle hard to swallow yet all in all it was captivating and entertaining.

Very well made but I liked "A History of Violence" a bit more overall.

Not Cronenbergs best, but still not bad. Viggo Mortensen delivers another great performance. Maybe it's just because movies are pushing +2 hours these days, but I found this one to be unusually short. Overall, still a movie worth watching.

Nothing really wrong with it. The movie is entertaining to watch, but I would have liked to have seen a little more in terms of plot. I chose to see it because it was directed by Cronenbergand had gotten good reviews. Not a bad movie, but in the end I found it a little empty.

The movie is full of stereotypes, the Russian actors speak is very bad indeed, wrong tattoos in wrong places, impossible situations, not believable characters, etc. But who cares? The movie was not intended to be shown in Russia anyway. It is well written and staged and interesting to watch. Additionally, Viggo is a great actor indeed! I have to give him a credit for learning Russian, I heard he even went to Russia himself. Good job! He's the only believable character. He looks Russian and acts like Russian. It's amazing! Thumbs up!

Viggo and Naomi are steamy and sexy in this mafia thriller. Strong performances from a top notch cast. It's worth seeing especially for a very graphic fight scene.

Awesome movie, the type where many dont get the ending... there will be a sequel.

Although it ends with a conclusion that might not be satisfying, overall the film is great. Cronenberg's direction really moves the scenes along and you're never bored. The acting is excellent as well. It certainly doesn't hold back on the violence and the language, so keep that in mind if you're thinking of seeing it.

Graphic Violence, but these days I suppose its TRUE TO LIFE... All in all a good film worth seeing.. (on empty stomach)

Excellent filmmaking; subtle and strongly nuanced performances; rewarding repeating screenings of this movie do flow: this is a classic film!!

Worth every penny Cronenberg and Viggo strike again... looking forward to their next movie together. Go see it!

Vigo was born to play that role! A masterpiece!

Riveting plot and perfect performances. A movie that you'll be thinking about days after you see it. Worth seeing for Viggo and Armin's acting alone!

This film could have befitted from some more subtlety, and I don't mean in the graphic violence and sex department. Very good performances, but could have used better writing. Everything does not need to be spelled out and resolved so obviously for an audience to enjoy a story, in fact doing this just made a good movie end in a pretty cheesy manner.

From the first scene of the film the audience might be shocked of the violence appeared. Actors are playing well in the movie. Was impressed how well Mr. Mortensen and Mr. Cassel used Russian in the movie. Many people are disappointed with the final of “promises”. Great movie must see.

Seemed choppy. Sometimes hard to understand what was being said. Ending seemed like it was hurried - ran out of time of something.

Fantastic performance by Viggo. The audience was completely captivated despite the frequent need to look away from the graphic violence. Plot could have been slightly improved as some "surprises" were easy to foresee. Ending slightly disappointing.

One of the best movies of the year so far, well written, great acting, great story great movie.

This film could have befitted from some more subtlety, and I don't mean in the graphic violence and sex department. Very good performances, but could have used better writing. Everything does not need to be spelled out and resolved so obviously for an audience to enjoy a story, in fact doing this just made a good movie end in a pretty cheesy manner.

[ATTENTION: This review reveals content of the movie.]
An excellent indie movie, the type Hollywood would not make. I really enjoyed it, except the nude fighting, I could have done without. 1 point off for the nude male fighting. Lol.

This movie was excellent! Viggo Mortensen's performance was astounding. I loved Naomi Watts too, she's so beautiful to look at on a large screen! The movie left a lot of things unanswered... sequel? You gotta see this!

An excellent film although a tad gory.

Great storytelling. Abrupt ending.

This movie deserves way more than 7.6/10!!! Its an amazing movie, one of the best I've seen this year and Viggo Mortensen is INCREDIBLE!!! He is absolutely flawless in his role. There could have been more action or at least suspense moments, but its really worth seeing on the big screen.

Deep, dark and delicious - well worth seeing. Viggo was excellent! - Violent but tempered by compassion.

The movie was realistic, Viggo's acting was fantastic however the movie moved far to slow for my liking -

Loved this movie... was a little disappointed with Cronenberg's last "a history of violence" but this was great! Great cast, good story, a couple of good twists, great performances all around... And no holding back on the violence! Somewhat disturbing at times but that is what it sets out to do! A new famous shower scene in my opinion!

Possesses a quality air of creativity, rawness and setting, with a little sprinkle of humour and love to top it off.

Original treatment of a classic genre, great performances, important themes, beautiful cinematography and production design.

Found it to slow, not enough action. The acting was ok, but the only good scene was in the spa.

The Godfather goes Russian. Fabulous film, strong characters, esp. Mortensen & Mueller-Stahl.

This movie is a great story and has an amazing cast but it as all ruined by Cronenberg's lust for slash and gore effects.

Viggo Mortensen is excellent, and so is Vincent Cassel. Although a little short, it is an altogether excellent movie.

Why can't Cronenberg end a movie? I enjoyed most of the film but as usual with a Cronenberg movie you are left feeling unsatisfied as the ending never comes. I realize that different is good, which is why I wanted to see this movie in the first place. However, movies need closure unless there is a pending sequel. In this case, there is not.

Another excellent movie by Cronenberg & Mortensen... Although if follows the general recipe of "A history of Violence" by bringing into play topics of "loyalty" and "betrayal" in a "mafia" backdrop, the context is totally different this time around, and the brilliant acting by Mortensen adds a comic, almost next-door-neighbor flavor to the film. The graphically violent scenes also add realism to the whole thing and actually allow us plain mortals to relate with the main character (few of us would kill 17 bad guys in a fight like Rambo does, so a touch of realism in Mortensens' fight scene is appreciated).. Must see for all avid Cronenberg fans!!!

With the exception of several spots of weak dialogue, this film is excellent. It is my favourite David Cronenberg effort and Viggo is as genius as ever. Super, super-cool action flick with bona fide character nuances and complexity. Definitely worth seeing.