Friday, 12 April 2013

The Place Beyond The Pines (2012, Dir. Derek Cianfrance, USA) (Cert: 15/R) ****



 
Starring: Bradley Cooper, Ryan Gosling, Dane DeHaan

 

After quitting his job as a stunt motorcyclist, Luke “Heartthrob” Glanton discovers that he’s a father. Wanting to provide, Luke uses his skills as a motorcyclist to become a bank robber; a career that he discovers to be quite skilled in. However, when a bank robbery goes wrong, his encounter with a cop (Cooper) has far-reaching consequences.

 

The Place Beyond The Pines has accomplished something very difficult. The film has taken what is essentially a bi-generational saga and distilled it into a two hour long story. Conventional wisdom says that that shouldn’t work, however it is pulled off rather commendably. A tale of crime, corruption and the relationship between fathers and sons, the performances are strong, aiding an engrossing story. The mid-story twist is perhaps a little much to swallow, but other than that this film comes highly recommended.

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