Drive Review

Drive Review

Cast: Ryan Gosling, Carey Mulligan, Albert Brooks, Ron Perlman, Christina Hendrick
Director: Nicholas Winding Refn
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Rated: MA
Running Time: 100 minutes

Synopsis: Breakout Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (The Pusher Trilogy, Bronson, Valhalla Rising) throttles into the Hollywood fast lane with the precision-crafted action caper Drive.

Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can't help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac).

After a heist intended to pay off Standard's protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). But when he realises that the gangsters are after more than the bag of cash in his trunk-that they're coming straight for Irene and her son-Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense.

Drive was written by Academy Award® nominee Hossein Amini (The Wings Of The Dove) and adapted from the eponymous novel by James Sallis. It was produced by Marc Platt, Gigi Pritzker, Michel Litvak, Adam Siegel and John Palermo; executive producers are David Lancaster, Gary Michael Walters, Bill Lischak and Linda McDonough.

Verdict: Nicholas Winding Refn has crafted an amazing film with a great cast; Drive ticks all the boxes in the action and drama genre with actors who successfully execute the horrifyingly remarkable scenes.

The first half of Drive will deceive unprepared audiences, gaining suspense which explodes with terrific blood fuelled scenes and confrontational violence. Drive is one of the most graphic movies I have seen recently, showcasing brutal, yet vivid scenes starring the talented Ryan Gosling.

Every scene in Drive was extremely well thought out, especially in terms of the music; the Musical Director has nailed it - the defined music selection creates powerful anticipation.

The compelling Ryan Gosling proves his amazing acting abilities in this film; with very little dialogue he uses body language and his eyes to showcase emotion, drama and affection. Ryan Gosling stars as a LA wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night and he plays this role particularly well. With an 80's feel, Gosling nails his character Drive - his cool, sleek and styled. Although Drive is not set in the 1980's the way the characters walk and talk oozes 80's appeal; Gosling was made to play this role, his cool under pressure and a convincing driver.

Drive is a thrilling action-drama film that will shock and disturb all audiences, but I can guarantee you'll be impressed.
Rating: ****
Jordan Rizkallah

Release Date: 27th of October, 2011