On this page: AGA | MEN OF HARD SKIN | SINK OR SWIM

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The actors are all rather deadpan, keeping their faces blank as they interact, letting ripples of thought play across their features. With minimal dialog, Aprosimov and Ivanova add lovely little touches to their interaction, including moments of wit and sparks of emotion. Egorov has the same low-key energy when he visits, chatting about Aga and their childhood before climbing back on his snowmobile and disappearing into the whiteness. And when she appears, Aga has the same presence, speaking without saying a word.

Lazarov is depicting a fading way of life, vanishing due to both the global economy and man-made climate change. Landscapes are shot vividly, playing with ideas of scale, so as Nanook travels toward civilisation, the environment changes dramatically. And the people he meets are dramatically distant from his carefully held ancient culture and its powerful connection to the land and each other. The film's final scene is pure magic, beautifully shot and played to create a timeless parable.

themes, violence

18.Sep.19

Each actor adds to this sensibility, portraying characters without the usual stereotypical expectations. Javier is particularly strong in this sense, a boy (his age is unspecified) who often comes across as a grown man, so sure of what he wants and also capable of being a leader on his father's farm. Tarantino has the most difficult role as a sympathetic paedophile, a priest who gives in to his desires because they feel so natural to him, even as he knows he's wrong. His conversations with Meza, as Omar's equally transgressive mentor, are simply astonishing for what they reveal about the Catholic Church and its attitude toward child abuse.

Everything in the film swirls around this theme, from Pablo's cruel homophobia to Ramirez's fury when he hears that Ariel goes cruising for sex. And these heavier moments are skilfully balanced by some hilarious asides (Lieun is a scene-stealer) and lovely emotional authenticity. So while the film feels mannered and almost shockingly casual about its central topic, it's also gnawingly involving with an unexpected emotional kick.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

25.Mar.19 flare

Without a proper central figure, performances by this eclectic ensemble are relaxed and realistic, with nicely prickly edges to them. There's a real sense that these men are struggling with their daily lives, feeling inadequate on several levels as they try to find even a hint of success in their professions. This makes them likeable losers. But without something like a sharp edge or frisky sexuality, these characters never become terribly vivid.

Even so, this is a solid feel-good movie, even if it's oddly unambitious and stretched out longer than necessary. Lellouche directs the film with a strong sense of the characters, although there isn't much style to it, even with the skilful wide-screen camerawork. And setting family fistfights to jaunty music is a bit much. But at least there are nods to bigger themes along the way. And the basic plot is irresistibly engaging, especially in the end when we finally get to see them swim.

themes, language

18.Sep.19