Films/DVD Asylum

Posted by tinear (A) on May 11, 2007 at 11:24:11

A young boy and his father embark on a journey across Russia to a town on the Black Sea. Along the way, father and son both face, in their own way, the terrible loss which earlier befell them.
This is a powerful film, told mostly through visuals, and that is both its strength and weakness: I got the impression some scenes went on too long because there wasn't enough material for a full-length feature.
Still, it is a powerful reflection on loss.
I might add that part of the film's power lies in what is omitted as well as what is included: there are no scenes of excessive emoting, hand-wring, hair-pulling, or remarkable bravery. Rather, we are shown unremarkable people attempting to come to terms with tragedy.
Certainly, it is a very good film made all the better by its uncompromising portrayal of human frailty.
I saw it several days ago and, unusually for me, I keep thinking of various scenes.