Epic. Emotional. Engrossing. The Place Beyond the Pines, director Derek Cianfrance’s follow up to his critically acclaimed 2010 film Blue Valentine, delivers in every sense of the word. The film is split into three clear and distinct acts, each following three interconnecting story lines. The film’s first act follows former stunt-driver “Handsome” Luke(Ryan Gosling), as he tries desperately to provide for his newborn child. Gosling’s portrayal of the internally embattled Luke is a powerful one, despite the fact that many will compare it to his performance to his role in 2010’s Drive. While this comparison may be somewhat well founded, I actually found Luke to be a far more dynamic character than Gosling’s Drive role. After Luke begins to put his stunt-riding skills to use by robbing several banks, the film then transitions into the story of a young local cop named Avery(Bradley Cooper). Cooper delivers a convincing performance as a young, well-intentioned cop within a corrupt precinct. In a film filled with tragic characters, it was Cooper’s Avery that struck me as the film’s most tragic. Although Cooper and Gosling barely get any screen time together, they serve as perfect parallels for the film’s overarching presentation of the importance of legacies.

The film’s third and final act is where this idea is truly explored. Dane DeHaan (Chronicle) and Emory Cohen(Smash) play Luke and Avery’s sons convincingly, even managing to replicate some of their “fathers” mannerisms. Dane DeHaan plays a role very similar to that of his in Chronicle, yet another isolated, lonely, and angry teen. The legacies explored in the film’s third act are both tragic and engrossing, conveying the truth to the saying that sons are doomed to repeat the sins of their fathers. Additionally, the film is beautifully shot from a cinematography standpoint, showcasing landscape shots that would Terrence Malick blush.

Conclusion: Although The Place Beyond the Pines may be too episodic for some tastes, the film is easily the best of 2013 so far and also an early Oscar candidate. The film runs long at about 2 and a half hours, but it’s length is well warranted, as Derek Cianfrance delivers audiences with a truly epic tale of consequence and legacies.

Score: A

The Place Beyond the Pines on IMDB http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1817273/fullcredits?ref_=tt_cl_sm#cast