Film Review: "Drive" (2011) directed by Nicolas Winding Refn 4.5/5

In a sea of films with big explosions and miscast "superstar"-actors comes the film "Drive" which has neither big explosions nor miscast actors.

Directed by Danish film director Nicolas Winding Refn (winner of best director at Cannes), "Drive" is a suspenseful film about a man with no name, the driver (Ryan Gosling), who is working part-time as a stuntman and a mechanic. When he meets the woman living down the hall in his apartment (Carey Mulligan), everything changes for him in a series of fate and coincidence.

One of the best shot dramatic action films in recent memory, this film is more art-house than it is a film with violent moments. With a perfect pace and well balanced character development, there's something for everyone in this film (but it's a film that many may not enjoy).

I'm not a fan of gangster films, but this film is something else entirely while still containing elements and characters of the genre. The imagery is often dream-like and deeply meditative which balances well against some of the grittier content.

It should be noted that the standard American audience may not be used to violence as it is depicted in "Drive". Traditionally, films are often loaded with emotionless killings and big explosions, but each moment of violence in "Drive" is personal and highly realistic.

Dancing in the realm of such films as "Mean Streets" and "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly", "Drive" is an experience that is powerful and remarkable for its artistic edge and bold approach.

My ranking: 4.5/5 stars