'The Place Beyond the Pines' is a strong addition to the crime genre - a compelling and unpredictable film that evolves from an action/thriller into a very effective and moving drama.
Unlike most crime/thrillers of the modern day, 'The Place Beyond the Pines' places a lot more more emphasis on character development and depth of story, which was unexpected but definitely welcome. We get to know the characters and their backstories in the first half of the film which makes it easier to connect emotionally in the second 'drama' half.
Personally I'd have preferred a bit more action and perhaps a shorter conclusion as the film does drag towards the end. Gosling's character, who provides all of the action in the film, is killed off too early for me and the slow pacing in the second half doesn't help. These are minor issues though and 'The Place Beyond the Pines' is a very good film overall.
Unlike most crime/thrillers of the modern day, 'The Place Beyond the Pines' places a lot more more emphasis on character development and depth of story, which was unexpected but definitely welcome. We get to know the characters and their backstories in the first half of the film which makes it easier to connect emotionally in the second 'drama' half.
Personally I'd have preferred a bit more action and perhaps a shorter conclusion as the film does drag towards the end. Gosling's character, who provides all of the action in the film, is killed off too early for me and the slow pacing in the second half doesn't help. These are minor issues though and 'The Place Beyond the Pines' is a very good film overall.