A Modern Masterpiece

Rating: 9/10 (24 November 2014)

This is a near-perfect film. Some people criticize it for being slow-moving, however this is one of the film's best qualities. The reason Drive is so great is because it is so subtle. During some of the confrontation scenes, the tension builds up so slowly and perfectly that you might not even realize it until you are on the edge of your seat. As for the acting, Ryan Gosling and Carey Mulligan steal the show. Again, sometimes the nuances they give their characters are so subtle that some people may consider it bland, but if you look closely, the performances are magnificent. Also, it is brilliant that all the other characters are fast-talking, but Gosling and Mulligan are minimalists with dialogue, emphasizing their relationship with each other.
This movie is also so great because it is so unpredictable. I won't spoil anything, but at the beginning I had a pretty clear idea of how everything would turn out. Even at the halfway point, I had a different idea, but I still thought I could predict it. However, there are so many turns and twists, the whole movie will leave you guessing.
Finally, I just want to point out the lighting in this movie. Although a minor element, it is some of the best lighting I've seen recently, giving each shot a unique look. The soundtrack also adds a great vibe to the film, and all in all, a near-masterpiece.