It’s easy to see why Ryan Gosling is seen as a heart throb and an internet meme sensation to millions of women around the world longing for him to utter the phrase, “Hey girl.” His upcoming Thai boxing film Only God Forgives will most likely continue the craze. Yet, beneath his good-looking features exists a talented actor that has transformed himself to portray some interesting characters over the years.  His icy stare was captivating in the indie sensation The Believer.  His gaunt physique and tired expressions conveyed a troubled and drug-addicted teacher in Half Nelson.  Lars and the Real Girl showed Gosling’s quirky side through a charming smile half hidden under a thick mustache.  In last year’s Drive, the actor once again created a unique character through the help of a white satin jacket and a look that told more than any amount of words.  Given that he is once again working with Drive‘s director Nicolas Winding Refn on another violent film about a man seeking redemption, you would assume that there couldn’t possibly be  that much different in the actor’s presence from their last outing together.  Looking at the first official photo from one of my most highly anticipated films of the year, I can honestly say that Gosling has once again created something different.  Compared to last year’s nameless driver, we see Gosling with a slightly fuller (more muscular) face that emanates a fierceness.  He seems to have a much more vicious demeanor that is accented by his unshaven face and shadowy eyes.

It is also being reported by Deadline that the Weinstein’s Co. Radius will handle distribution for the film.  The company is known for simultaneously releasing films on VOD and in theaters.  It is being reported that the film is actually more violent than Drive and includes swordplay and “a lot of slicing and dicing.” Perhaps this might be the reason that Filmdistrict won’t be handling the distribution for the film like they did with Drive.

The synopsis and picture from the film can be seen below.  As of right now there is no release date for the film.

Bangkok. Ten years ago Julian killed a cop and went on the run. Now he manages a Thai boxing club as a front for a drugs operation. Respected in the criminal underworld, deep inside, he feels empty.

When JULIAN’s brother murders a prostitute the police call on retired cop Chang – the Angel of Vengeance. Chang allows the father to kill his daughter’s murderer, then ‘restores order’ by chopping off the man’s right hand.

Julian’s mother Jenna – the head of a powerful criminal organization – arrives in Bangkok to collect her son’s body. She dispatches Julian to find his killers and ‘raise hell’.

Increasingly obsessed with the Angel of Vengeance, Julian challenges him to a boxing match, hoping that by defeating him he might find spiritual release… but Chang triumphs. A furious Jenna plots revenge and the stage is set for a bloody journey through betrayal and vengeance towards a final confrontation and the possibility of redemption.

Source: Wild Bunch / The Playlist