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With raw honesty, each actor infuse his or her character with beautifully subtle character quirks. Molina's hot-tempered Sandra is stubbornly independent, getting right in the face of anyone who crosses her. And she even has the rap skills to back up her attitude. By contrast, Avelino is thoughtful and private as Jorge cultivates his macho image, irritated that Sandra has invasively figured out his secret. Scenes with side characters are strikingly well-played by the supporting cast as well.

While never seeming to contain any messaging, the film quietly explores some darkly important themes, from the way Sandra finds herself in such a precarious economic position to how Jorge feels unable to reveal himself. Coster's direction is so intimate that we can't help but feel for these young people as they face things they've never been taught to deal with. And without ever being obvious about it, the film reminds us that facing difficulty with someone, even if they can't actually help, is far better than doing it alone.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

14.Jun.21

It's unusually easy for us to simply accompany Suleiman on this odyssey, seeing everything through his eyes. The lack of expression on his face allows us to infer our own thoughts and feelings, even as he guides us with the direction of his gaze. His blankly deadpan responses to the ridiculous people he meets are hilarious, and actually say something urgent. Many encounters he witnesses are amusingly choreographed to create clever visual punchlines. His visit to airport security is particularly astute, and very funny too.

Common threads in each location offer a connective narrative, for example acknowledging that most people are trying to get something for nothing. Along with various expressions of religion, language and gender, there are a wide range of angles on military presence, observed through a bemused eye, which makes a remarkably fresh point. Most important is how his observations cut straight across lines created by age, traditions and politics, revealing a picture of a world at peace.

themes, violence

9.Jun.21

Maeda has terrific presence as a young woman who feels like she's on the wrong career path: she'd rather be a pop singer (which Maeda actually is). She gives Yoko a remarkable sense of uncertainty, which adds a vivid undercurrent to her resilient work ethic and helps us sympathise with her odyssey of self-discovery. The engaging Rajabov offers charm and intelligence in his role, while the crew hilariously treats Yoko like a prop, worrying passers-by who think they're abusing a young girl.

Ironically, Kurosawa's footage is far more entertaining than anything Yoko's crew captures. This film should be mandatory viewing for anyone who aspires to become a TV presenter, and several characters admit to doubts about the circumstances that have derailed their ambitions. Perhaps if they'd explore their passions their work would come to life, raising the level of the low-brow travelogue they're producing here while discovering the deeper human connection between these two very different countries. And Yoko's final epiphany is witty and moving.

themes, language

8.Jun.21