Best film of 2011

Rating: 10/10 (25 October 2011)

Nicholas Winding Refn is best known to me as the director behind the hard hitting "Pusher" trilogy. He recently came out with "Bronson" and "Valhalla Rising". With the latter one not being very impressive, though I really was looking forward to see his American take on cinema.
And Refn has a thing for brutal violence and stylish directing and for that reason, it does suit his latest film "Drive" perfectly.
Hands down... Drive is a stunning film. It's like a homage to all the cool flicks we've seen in the 70s and the 80s. It has a gripping story, well written characters, great direction and a cool soundtrack. Here we have a film that respects all these elements.
The pace of the film may seem a bit slow for some moviegoers, but frankly, It really suits the films nature, unlike George Clooney's "The American" which was painfully slow.
However, when the Action scenes kicks in, they're pretty intense. The car-chase in particular between the Ford Mustang and the Chrysler C300 was a well executed scene, making it one of the best car chases I've ever seen on film. Also I was impressed with the "Elevator scene", beautifully shot, gripping music, and when the fight breaks loose, It's very brutal.
Ryan Gosling is fantastic as the silent Driver, he really reminds me om Steve McQueen and Clint Eastwood. Albert Brooks was terrific too. Carey Mulligan was great as well, as so was all the other actors. Ron Pearlman in particular was not to bad either.
"Drive" is not for everyone. If you're expecting a "Fast and the Furious" or "The Transporter", Look elsewhere. Because here we have an Action-drama that may well be the most realistic flick I've seen in a very long time. Stylish, Gripping, Cool, Ultra-violent, intense... "Drive" is Oscar worthy material.