And from that opening scene springs the story, which introduces us to local crime boss Damian (Babs Olusanmokun), Martin's 18-year-old girlfriend Janey (Nell Tiger Free), her billionaire father Theo (a completely insane William Baldwin), former FBI agent Viggo Larsen (John Hawkes), his associate Diana (Jena Malone), and Yaritza (a stunning, scene-stealing Cristina Rodlo), a young woman with a penchant for sexual domination who claims to be the High Priestess of Death. After sexually harassing and extorting a young woman because he can, Larry is taking a selfie for his mistress, when Jesus Rojas (an exceptional Augusto Aguilera) shoots him in the back of the head. Martin Jones (Miles Teller) and his partner Larry (Lance Gross) are two uniformed LA cops on patrol. That said, if you're on-board, you're in for an unforgettable ride. Indeed, it will probably alienate some of his more casual fans, as it tests the limits of what even the most artistically open-minded viewer will watch on their television screens. This isn't going to turn a single person into a Refn fan. The aesthetic is exceptional, the quirks are pure surrealism, the humour is spot on, the violence (particularly the sexual violence) is sudden and barbaric, but never gratuitous or pointless, and the themes are fascinating. Running for 13 hours across the course of 10 episodes, Refn regards it as "a 13-hour movie" and insists that it is not a television show. If you thought Only God Forgives was slow and plodding, all style and no substance, and pretentiously self-indulgent, then TOTDY is not for you. If you thought Only God Forgives was slow and plodding, all style and no substance, and pretentiously I loved it, but this is the definition of "not for everyone" Created by Nicolas Winding Refn and Ed Brubaker, and directed by Refn, Too Old To Die Young is Refn sans restrictions. I loved it, but this is the definition of "not for everyone" Created by Nicolas Winding Refn and Ed Brubaker, and directed by Refn, Too Old To Die Young is Refn sans restrictions. But you still have to admire the work that went into this behemoth of show. Now critics may disagree with me on this, it's one of those shows you either love or hate. It's one of the boldest achievements in modern "television", a tour de force of blood, sex and bleak neon-colored images. Aside from that, there is nothing I did not like about this show. My only complaints about the show are, that they often used CGI blood (a minor mishap but noticeable and immersion breaking none the less) and some supernatural elements, that kinda felt out of place for a serious show like this. Brutal torture, physically and verbally as well as some very bleak moments, that will probably haunt me a while – almost every episode is an atrocity-masterclass. If you are not familiar with the creators and their work, be aware that the show is not only very slow paced, but also very disturbing. Refn's neo(n)-noir aesthetics are just a perfect match. The slow pacing/long shots and grading add to the graphic-novel vibe, similar to looking at Sean Phillips artwork, frame by frame so you can admire the mood and darkness he puts into his drawings. The scenes and characters often feel like they would belong in the world of his Criminal-Series. Brubakers harsh, disturbing and surprising writing certainly shines through. The scenes and characters often feel like they would belong Fans of Refn and/or Brubaker will not be disappointed as both creators influence is very apparent in this 15h downward spiral into the heart of darkness. Fans of Refn and/or Brubaker will not be disappointed as both creators influence is very apparent in this 15h downward spiral into the heart of darkness.
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