Bus 174 - Victor Khomenko - Films/DVD Asylum

Films/DVD Asylum

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Bus 174

Posted by Victor Khomenko (M) on February 10, 2007 at 08:56:03

OK tin, finally it happened. And I could see exactly why you liked it so much.

To be sure, there is definitely strength in that documentary film. The events and the emotions are far too real, and the makers managed to convey much of it. And in more skillful hands this 122 minute films could have become leaner but also more poignant in process.

The most interesting part of it is the actions of authorities, the complete lack of initiative and the apparent paralysis, coupled with the painfully low level of readiness and just general intelligence. It was torture to watch the cops simply standing around, while the perpetrator abusing his hostages.

The problems I am having with this still good film are two-fold.

For once, the direct message was how the horrible ways the Brazilian society treats its underclass produces criminals. There is an undeniable truth to that, no question... the scenes of prison interior, of police brutality, etc are all to the point and strong.

What was painfully missing, though, was the role of the individual person in all that. I did not see much in the way of stating one simple fact - in spite of all bad things happening around, it is still the individual's choice in the final analysis.

And second problem was in overdoing the narrations. At some point it became tedious, not providing any new insight, just repetitious and plain boring. This is where good editing would have done much good.

Frankly, in the last 40 minutes I watched those personal stories accounts in a x2 mode, where I could still read the subtitles, and it made it more palatable.

So on the top level I agree with you - this is a film that is easy to recommend. But those faults did damage the overall impression.

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