chinch_g

Much better and quite different from what I had expected. A spectacular film in a very unspectacular way. Low key, real people, second chances. Had me rooting for them throughout. A cast of fairly unknown actors bringing every scene to life with an authenticity much better than any of the well known names could. Beautiful, but understated cinematography with a very occasional touch of magical realism. Given the tough surroundings and difficult situation depicted, a film surprisingly full of warmth and humanity. Miles away from filmmaking-by-numbers Hollywood fare.

And one of the best and unexpected endings in a long time.

Loved it!

All Of This: Minimal, Simple, Complex, True, Alienated, Alien, Tender, Low Key, Gentle, Lost, Found, Family, Daughter - Father, Warm, Fragmented, Beautiful, Alone, Search, Spacious, Real, American, Indie, Nature, Natural, Heartfelt, Warm, Caring, Strange, Poignant, Loss, Regret, Connect, Bond, Nevertheless, Despite It All, Quest, Minimal, Simple, Complex, True, Alienated, Alien, Tender, Low Key, Gentle, Lost, Found, Family, Daughter - Father, Warm, Fragmented, Beautiful, Alone, Search, Spacious, Real, American, Indie, Nature, Natural, Heartfelt, Warm, Caring, Strange, Poignant, Loss, Regret, Connect, Bond, Nevertheless, Despite It All, Quest. Love. Love. Love.

Director Iciar Bollain has the rare ability of creating deeply affecting and emotional films without ever even remotely slipping into melodrama or sentimentality. Perhaps this is to some extent due to her unshakeable sense of social justice, which has also always been a fundamental element in other films by her that I've watched.

This film starts as a simple enough story of a young idealistic Catalan teacher in Kathmandu in the 90s, attempting to set up a school for poor and disadvantaged children. Without ever losing sight of the central narrative, the film becomes increasingly complex, exploring related storylines, when her friendships deepen and she forms relationships, coming up against the traditional values and restrictions of a society very different from her own. It could hardly be better balanced and keeps gaining in intensity.

Veronica Echegui in the central role truly shines, variously and totally convincingly expressing commitment, love, frustration, anger, joy and grief. Around her are numerous, extremely well acted and rounded characters, quite a few of whom I suppose not to be professional actors. Every scene just breathes authenticity. The urban as well as remote mountain locations are extremely well chosen and and sensitively balanced, showing some of the extreme poverty, as well as astounding beauty of Nepal.

Iciar Bollain has directed two other of my favourite films, 'Even the Rain' and 'The Olive Tree'. I also recommend them both highly.

Just why, o why, do powerful films like this not reach a wider audience here.