The Woman who left

This beautiful black and white film provides a intriguing portrait of small town Philippine society. Ambient sounds of wind in tree branches, tires on pavement and bird songs, lend authenticity to the images. At nearly four hours, the fans of "slow film" will certainly be in for an enjoyable, albeit snail-paced ride. I really enjoyed exploring the theme of how holding onto the truth, to hopes in your heart and helping others, invites both vulnerability and vindication. Winner of the golden lion and top prize at the 2016 Venice film festival.

Revealing the truth cleanses the soul, yet carelessness in doing so will condemn it. The knife cuts both ways. After 30 years in a prison work camp for a crime she did not commit, Horacia makes revealing the truth a priority in her life. With righteous fire she begins a quest to expose the true culprit. Her mark is Rodrigo; an arrogant and privileged former lover. Unlike Rodrigo, Horacia has a heart and this sensitivity and sympathy for others makes her vulnerable to distraction, to being found out before she has a chance to strike, or to losing her resolve in some way. Yet her good heart is also her strength. As Horacia closes in on Rodrigo, unexpected circumstances intervene.