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That's the question that one character asks another in a climatic conversation in this slow burn drama from Colombia. The burden of choices from years past still weighs heavy on them, and there's no way to ever know if they were the "right" ones or the "wrong" ones.
Land and Shade follows Alfonso (Haimer Leal), an aging sugar cane worker that returns to his home after 17 years, upon learning that his adult son is now ill. The reason for his illness? The sugar cane plantations that surround their home are frequently burned, which results in toxic ash rain that basically covers the house and makes life unbearable.
This situation forces the family to live in a cycle of questioning, do I leave this place for my health or do I stay because I need to work? Alfonso left, but his wife stayed... but here he is, "with the same bag", as he says in that climatic conversation. The emotional and physical scars of his decision are still there.
The film is a hell of a slow burn, with a very pensive pace that could border on soporific for some; but there is a pretty darn good film in there for those patient enough. Director César Augusto Acevedo holds our attention with a very skilled and meticulous direction. I really liked his frequent use of long takes and wide shots that give this landscape a beautiful and eerie look at the same time.
At the end, the film doesn't necessarily answer the above question, but rather leaves it up to the viewer. There is tragedy, hope, redemption, and forgiveness. But beyond that, the characters have to realize that they have to live with the burden of their choices, one way or the other, and there usually is no way to find out if things would've been different, or if it was worth it. The film, though, is definitely worth it.
Grade:
LAND AND SHADE
(2015, Acevedo)
Freebie
(2015, Acevedo)
Freebie
"Was it worth leaving?"
"I do not know if it was worth it."
"I do not know if it was worth it."
That's the question that one character asks another in a climatic conversation in this slow burn drama from Colombia. The burden of choices from years past still weighs heavy on them, and there's no way to ever know if they were the "right" ones or the "wrong" ones.
Land and Shade follows Alfonso (Haimer Leal), an aging sugar cane worker that returns to his home after 17 years, upon learning that his adult son is now ill. The reason for his illness? The sugar cane plantations that surround their home are frequently burned, which results in toxic ash rain that basically covers the house and makes life unbearable.
This situation forces the family to live in a cycle of questioning, do I leave this place for my health or do I stay because I need to work? Alfonso left, but his wife stayed... but here he is, "with the same bag", as he says in that climatic conversation. The emotional and physical scars of his decision are still there.
The film is a hell of a slow burn, with a very pensive pace that could border on soporific for some; but there is a pretty darn good film in there for those patient enough. Director César Augusto Acevedo holds our attention with a very skilled and meticulous direction. I really liked his frequent use of long takes and wide shots that give this landscape a beautiful and eerie look at the same time.
At the end, the film doesn't necessarily answer the above question, but rather leaves it up to the viewer. There is tragedy, hope, redemption, and forgiveness. But beyond that, the characters have to realize that they have to live with the burden of their choices, one way or the other, and there usually is no way to find out if things would've been different, or if it was worth it. The film, though, is definitely worth it.
Grade: