With rich cinematography, a gripping storyline and a strong, authentic feel, director Derek Cianfrance’s “The Place Beyond the Pines” stands out against the typical summer blockbusters.

Set in Schenectady, N.Y., Luke (Ryan Gosling) performs as a carnival motorcycle stuntman and reunites with Romina (Eva Mendes), a woman with whom he had a brief relationship a couple years ago. Luke finds out that their hookup resulted in a son, prompting him to quit his motorcycle gig in hopes of creating a stable family life with Romina. Gosling’s character provides a dramatic glimpse into the life of a broken man who is set on fixing himself.

Romina isn’t interested in having Luke in her life, though, as she has already created a life with another man (Mahershala Ali). Luke makes friends and moves in with a mechanic (Ben Mendelsohn), desperate to make money to support his son.

Inevitably, things spin out of control for Luke. When he meets an untimely end at the hands of police officer Avery Cross’ (Bradley Cooper) crossfire, the movie then shifts to Cross’ guilt-stricken story as he learns that the man he killed had a son the same age as his one-year-old baby.

The film takes a daring and realistic glimpse at the close relationships between fathers and sons. Cianfrance’s storytelling technique shines in this film as he uses authentic character study to tell a unique story that stands out from the typical action-packed summer blockbuster.

An insightful film that evokes realism, “The Place Beyond the Pines” can easily be compared to Cianfrance’s last film “Blue Valentine” (2010) that was also about the trials of love and family.

The unusual shift of focus between characters makes this film unique. Ryan Gosling and Bradley Cooper make the film with strong, convincing roles, but the smaller role of Eva Mendes, among others, deserve recognition as well.

Scenes shot in the woods among the pine trees are gripping, especially when Luke’s motorcycle weaves in and out of the pines at blurring speed. The scene is repeated later in the film when Luke’s son rides his bicycle along a similar trail- a beautiful comparison to the similar paths the father and son individually take in life.

With a late spring release, the film has continued to play in theaters in competition with early summer blockbuster films. Although its title is not as recognizable as “Oblivion” or other big-budget films out in theaters, this quieter film should be given a chance.

A cinematic masterpiece, “The Place Beyond the Pines” will surely be one of this year’s nominations for best movie of the year.