It is almost ironic that I was going to avoid this movie because I did not want to see anything too "violent".

The movie opens with a great scene, very Eighties, with appropriate Marvin Gaye score and reference to "Rocky". Unfortunately, that is the only glory moment. After having built up great expectations, the plot moves quickly downhill, excavating well past rock bottom.

The glacially paced story is about an oil trader who wants to expand his business, but must face "violent" competition. However, the violence perpetrated boils down to beating and threatening. It may be scary enough in real life, but from the title one expects much worst when in fact the most violent action is perpetrated off-screen, on an innocent deer.

Besides the slow-motion approach, what I disliked more is the unbearable pretentiousness. This movie takes itself so seriously, as if it is the new Godfather, while it is just an overlong, non-gangster story.