THE PLACE BEYOND THE PINES (A-)

Bottom Line: Easily my favorite movie of 2013 thus far and yet still not a movie I’d recommend to just anyone, this decidedly methodical, melodramatic and equally ambitious feature is a lineal mood-piece featuring three movies for the price of one.  All filled with early-in-the-year, Oscar-worthy performances – the stories focus on fathers and their sons, selflessness vs. selfishness, legacies and consequences and the breaking and mending of bonds…  With all of its heavy themes and at just under two and half hours, PINES could understandably prove taxing for many – it makes for a daunting sit.  But with equal parts intimacy, brutality, disparity, violence and grace it remains a rivetingly complex piece of cinema that’s sure to linger in your mind and throw a shroud of parental stress over fathers and fathers-to-be…

 

Starring: Ryan Gosling, Bradley Cooper, Eva Mendes and Ray Liotta

Directed by: Derek Cianfrance (BLUE VALENTINE)

Rated: R

Running time: 140 minutes

Story: The highly anticipated new drama from director Derek Cianfrance ("Blue Valentine") powerfully explores the consequences of motorcycle rider Luke's (Gosling) fateful decision to commit a crime to support his child. The incident renders him targeted by policeman Avery (Cooper), and the two men become locked on a tense collision course which will have a devastating impact on both of their families in the years following. --(C) Focus

Trailer: www.focusfeatures.com/the_place_beyond_the_pines