Hidden Gem

Rating: 10/10 (23 May 2015)

I nearly missed this on Netflix because of the low rating. But check IMDb and noted reviewers here had given it a much, much higher rating. I am so glad I watched this film - this is a hidden gem. The direction and casting are faultless. I could not imagine anyone else playing these roles. The slow motion in parts is handled superbly and helps to bring the story alive.
I can see why the film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Achievement in Sound Editing. If you are a nerdy sound person like me, this is a real treat.
The soundtrack. Man, the soundtrack. When I heard Riz Ortolani's "Oh My Love " sung by Katyna Ranieri my head raced. Where had I heard that before? "Goodbye Uncle Tom".
The Hero is quiet. But we never know his backstory. So we can only imagine. This adds to his charm.
The book by James Sallis was adapted for the screen by Hossein Amini.
Congratulations to Nicolas Winding Refn and Ryan Gosling.
A masterpiece.