A History of Violence 

A few questions I still remember/ask ...
-- what is truly past and what is truly present? should one be burdened by the past or even the future? should one be judged by the past or the future? 
-- what is hero and what is devil? by what yardsticks and by whose standards?

Eastern Promises

(i) I particularly like the beginning which is gripping. Also, I like the way the two seemingly separate stories are subsequently weaved. However, I do not exactly like two scenes/plot ... 
* MAJOR SPOILER *
-- the police, on knowing that they are going to criminalize the head for having s** with the minor, does NOT actually protect the last evidence (i.e., the baby)
-- that Viggo manages to convince Vincent (so "easily") NOT to drown the baby 
* END OF MAJOR SPOILER *

(ii) Cast
-- Viggo steals several scenes ... * clap *
-- Although Vincent Cassel is not as overwhelming, I have to admit that I didnt realize it was him initially ... ha ha 
-- Naomi, to "like" her (for being a nice gal) or "hate" her (for being so "naive"?! ...

(iii) It makes you think about human ... they are always complicated ... they struggle between right and wrong ... they struggle between family/friends and outsiders ... they struggle between survival/life and death ...
etc

Conclusion
Highly recommended (already to a few friends). Why? Although it boasts of artistic merits, many of my friends who are more story driven/violence driven (ha ha) will find the story compelling ... until maybe near the end?!