Universal Studios / R / Widescreen / 101 minutes

A Russian mob boss (Armin Mueller-Stahl) goes toe-to-toe with a midwife (Naomi Watts) over the possession of a diary containing incriminating secrets, while his son’s (Vincent Cassel) driver (Viggo Mortensen) begins to win the majority of his favor.  David Cronenberg directs this intriguing piece on the vor v zakone in London.  We need more Russian mob movies!

Do Not Pass Go: Watch for Azim (Mina E. Mina) at the beginning of the movie doing his best Sweeny Todd and Monopoly Guy impression.

Notable Sleaze: Kirill (Cassel) demanding Nikolai (Mortensen) screw a heroine-addled prostitute while he watches to prove he’s not a queer.

Knife Fight: Nikolai takes on 2 hitmen in a bath house defended only by a towel and his tattoos. Visceral, gruesome and realistic – fair warning, Viggo remains stark naked throughout the scene.

DVD Bonus Features: A Behind the Scenes video and featurette on Russian prison tattoos.

3 very solid stars – That’s Choice!