Monday, February 18, 2008

Nightbus, The Band's Visit (DIFF post)

Saw these two films last night as part of my 12 film odyssey that is DIFF. The Band's Visit is a lovely little movie from Israel. Its glacial pace isn't a barrier to enjoying the movie, instead it enhances the attempt to portray the town it's set in as slow moving. The acting is superb, Sasson Gabai and Saleh Bakri stand out especially. Both of their characters are reserved, yet both characters manage to convey their feelings in an understated way. My only complaint would be with regard to the contrived nature of the composition of some of the shots, but overall the positives overwhelm any misgivings.

Unfortunately Nightbus is a different proposition. It's a juvenile attempt at portraying the affects of war that is poorly written and is salvaged (only somewhat) towards the end of the film.

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