Reviews

I cant recall too much music in the film Maoz filmmaking just lets dialogue (and also at some points the lack of dialogue) do the talking as it were, save for some moments describing the very title of the movie, and why its called what its called.

Most of the themes centre around your general coming of age type tropes (Peer pressure, belonging, family dynamics etc) but the real strength of the film is putting the viewer into the headspace of Jonah.

There are some heart-breaking scenes in which Brady goes to visit an old friend Lane Scott, played by.Lane Scott, who has some real life history of his own that probably needs looking up after youve watched the movie.

Director Diego Quemada-D apparently worked with Ken Loach on a couple of films and it shows in this movie - it's a very raw, real look at the lengths people in central America and Mexico will go to find a way to get across the border to the USA.

Right from the extraordinary opening monologue, the film grabs the viewer and reels you into the heady mix of comedy and tragedy.

What I thought was key to the film was that there was no revenge type plot in the final act.......

There are some lovely dream like sequences in nightclubs and on the streets, and the film has a really touching pay off / conclusion.

Joachim Trier's direction is more than adequate, and as mentioned beofre, the cinematography by Jakob Ihre is superb throughout - one beautifully filmed scene in particular (set on a lake) will live long in the memory.

Ki Duk Kim has always been a divisive director, with his films showing slow burning, very natural, almost spiritual human traits.

The film is a tad rough around the edges, especially with a 'wtf' moment in the final act, but a fine effort for a first time director (Jane Gull).