Monday, September 28, 2009

Silent Light (Bob says 1 out of 2)

1. Did I enjoy it? NO
Believe it or not, I liked almost the entire film, and this came very close to receiving 2/2. What turned me off was the final dramatic revelation in the film, which has a meaning that is open to interpretation. The film is about a Mennonite community in the northern part of Mexico. Johan, a husband and father of two kids, is deeply troubled. He has fallen in love with another woman, but still cares very much about his family. He agonizes with friends, his father and ultimately to God over what to do about his situation, whether to choose Esther, his wife, or Marianne, his lover. Johan has told Esther about the affair from the beginning, and she is crushed and paralyzed to do anything about it. The final third of the film I won't reveal, you must watch it yourself and decide whether you're okay with the climax. I was not, particularly because there is no explanation given and I wanted to see Johan's reaction to the event.

2. Would I watch it again? YES
I would watch it again if someone wanted to watch the film with me and discuss it. The acting is first rate and there's great cinematography. I really wanted to praise this film from start to finish, but I just can't. Sometimes films are ruined by trying too hard to tie up loose ends, but this one warranted at least a few items to come together.

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