Hans Petter Moland’s Absolution is a gripping and gritty slowwwww burn crime drama. It’s also a wonderful reminder of how great an actor Liam Neeson truly is. Let’s get one thing straight though – this is not another of those generic (and frankly, sub-par) Liam Neeson action movies. While there is some “action,” it stands as more of an introspective character study. Admittedly, however, the pace is too slow – moving along with little steam behind it. Luckily, then, it’s an interesting one man journey we’re taken on. The script, while not perfect by any means, gives Neeson plenty to work with. In fact, Neeson’s aging gangster character has more depth than all his characters in those aforementioned actioners combined. There’s plenty of earnest conversations and simmering sentiment to be had. There’s also moments of visceral violence – mostly in the third act. Ok, it also becomes increasingly predicable as it goes on. But even with the forgone redemption and plethora of cliches, Absolution never loses its grasp on the audience. Thanks to Neeson’s gravely output, there’s no issues in rooting for him ‘til the very end!