I just got back from seeing the five Oscar-nominated live action shorts and was pleasantly surprised. After seeing a mediocre batch of animated shorts yesterday, I was so happy to see that the live action films are among the very best I've ever seen nominated.
Of the five nominees, "Asad" is my least favorite--though it's still a very nice film and there is a lot to admire. The film is a joint American and South African production that stars a cast of Somali refugees! Talk about a multinational film! "Asad" is set in Somalia, but because the country has no laws or order, the film was made in South Africa. A young boy, Asad, is conflicted. On one hand, he wants to join the older boys who are pirates--attacking ships that come near the coast. But, on the other hand, there is a decent old man who makes his living fishing and encourages Asad to make something of himself. Which path will the boy take? I could tell you where all this goes but it might ruin the film. Suffice to say that it's a sad commentary on the state Somalia is in today...and it ends, inexplicably, on a laugh. Though, in hindsight, I felt a bit uncomfortable with the funny ending following so much carnage. Overall, it's an odd film with wonderful production values but only a mediocre story. The acting, direction and all are very, very professional and nice.
