Restraint (2008)

I think this is a new genre that they're all sort of working their way through it and haven't got all the kinks worked out yet but it's a genre that works for me.

Powerful

Good story, Not enough for a whole film

The acting is good, and the firecracker script has some excellent ideas.

Restraint is just another example of the amazing actors and film makers in Australia. There are a lot of "geeze I did NOT expect that to happen" moments right from the beginning and every character is finely cast so you are completely invested in the story. It is about a young couple on the run from the law for some serious crimes when they take a rich man who is a shut in as hostage. Between these 3 there is brilliant character development, these actors are fantastic, and for a story that is used a lot, they make it fresh and build tension between each other well. Of course there is a nice little twist at the end which does not disappoint. Fab movie if you want a quiet evening watching a good thriller drama.

Restraint is a very original take on the couple on the run story. More importantly though it is well crafted in every aspect and the acting is superb. The characters are very layered and oftentimes emotionally raw and the actors are definitely up to the task.Travis Fimmel is great as Ron being both violent and manipulative but also playful and even sympathetic. Stephen Moyer is also great as Andrew being a fearful victim that as time goes by becomes more bold with his captors. Both definitely brought the characters to life.Teresa Palmer as Dale had the most challenging role. She is conflicted over the deaths she has been a party to and her feelings for Ron and growing feelings for Andrew. She is not the least bit modest physically but is emotionally unsure of herself, even innocent. Palmer was not only capable but flawless in her portrayal.I did not recognize her as Number 6 in I Am Number Four until I checked her credits. That someone can immerse themselves in two such different characters so as to not be recognizable is a testament to their acting ability. She reminds me of a cross between Kristen Stewart and Naomi Watts.Now if they would just make I Am Number Six. Whoever has the rights to that should realize they have a star for the lead. As for Restraint I am still thinking about it the day after and I can't think of a higher compliment than that.

One of the reviews said this: "What is the definition of a gullible idiot? A: Anybody who buys the patronizingly glowing reviews posted above! In case you aren't aware, it has now become standard practice for individuals with a vested interest in low budget movies to talk them up on sites like this in the hope that the public will pay money to watch them at the cinema or on DVD.Ask yourself this: why would these people need to generate favorable publicity for a movie when a good movie will generate its own favorable publicity through word of mouth? The answer is obvious. " This is a movie review site. Why wouldn't you review a movie you like? Technically, the internet is the new word of mouth, same as texting.If you want a good film that is different than the Hollywood rip-offs, remakes,and abominations, look this one up. It's a good thriller.

The smalltime criminal Ron (Travis Fimmel) has killed the boss of his girlfriend and striper Dale (Teresa Palmer) and they are escaping from the police. After killing a gas station attendant, Ron drives to the old manor of the agoraphobic Andrew (Stephen Moyer) in the middle of nowhere to swap the runaway car. When he notes that Andrew is a wealthy man, Ron decides to get money from Andrew to travel to Thailand. Andrew notes the resemblance of Dale with his fiancée Gabrielle that left him six months ago and proposes Dale to die her hair and go to the bank with two checks of US$ 20,000.00 pretending that she is Gabrielle. Along the days, Dale saves Andrew from the sadistic Ron, but the unstable killer is a jealous man and does not intend to leave Andrew alive. "Restraint" is a claustrophobic and dark low-budget movie and my remark is that it is too long. The cinematography is very beautiful and Stephen Moyer, the vampire Bill Compton from "True Blood", and Travis Fimmel have fine performances, but the hot Teresa Palmer steals the movie with her amoral character. My vote is six.Title (Brazil): "Aprisionados" ("Imprisoned")