I finally caught Eastern Promises, the latest from David Cronenburg. Prior to viewing, I noticed that the trailer is embedded with flash pieces of jail / criminal tattoos.

This is one of the only Hollywood movies I've seen in the past few years which the idea of the concept and process of the tattoo is done in a tasteful, positive outlook. While the content of the film is dark, the film does not exploit the 'criminal' factor that could be easily covered when dealing with such content.

The film instead uses the theme of tattoos as a major character. Tattoos linger from beginning to end in the film's main dual protagonist and antagonist. The main character, Nikolai, is covered in tattoos, notably his hands, which are highlighted often due to his deemed profession as a 'driver.' Tattoos are used as identifying marks in a criminal investigation by Russian Police. Tattoos are also a crucial element in the initiation of the main character into a secret organization, whose alumni identify Nikolai's social history by the artwork on his body. Nikolai then goes through the actual process of getting tattooed, as an initiation. The film then climaxes full force with Nikolai's violent naked body in full view, in all its glory.

This was a really great movie, if you liked 'A History of Violence' or 'Videodrome' -same director. Go see it.