Best film of 2011 - Ryan Gosling is amazing
This film was expertly directed, cast, acted, and shot - the lighting, music, and character development is excellent.
I went to this movie not knowing the full scope of its plot thinking it was a basic "action film" and was surprised by the level of depth and emotion brought to the screen.
The only thing I didn't like was the very brutal and graphic violence - it was shocking and not my "cup of tea" but I was able to "handle it" due to the incredible impact this film had on me in that it was a movie that did not overstate anything. The dialogue, or lack thereof, drew me into the movie and was a welcome relief from so many in-you-face movies.
This is an intelligent movie that gives the viewer credit for knowing what the characters are thinking and feeling without having to state it.
Ryan Gosling is totally amazing and real and every one else in the movie was perfectly cast.