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At the centre, Barhom gives a wonderfully understated performance, allowing Adam's face to quietly reflect his internalised journey. This is an observant, quick-thinking young man who innately knows how to approach even the most precarious situation. So his conversations with Fares' jaded but well-meaning Ibrahim zing with electricity, as if Adam could become Ibrahim if he decides to take this path. Several side characters stand out as well, including Khoury as a blind sheikh who takes a risk to get the truth out and Ayoub as Ibrahim's terrifyingly mercurial boss.

Essentially this is a story about personal integrity, depicting a range of people who break the rules for very different reasons. Only some of them have pure motives, so things get tense and nasty as government and religious leaders jostle for power. Filmmaker Saleh explores these themes with sensitivity and honesty, cleverly humanising conflicts rather than dwelling on the ideology. This makes the film's superb final kick much more universal than expected.

themes, language, violence

30.Mar.23

Chan goes big as Luo, a man with outsized confidence. Likeable but deeply flawed, he knows that he has failed with his daughter, but he also bullheadedly ignores her very real concerns about his safety. This builds complex chemistry with the sparky, intelligent Liu. And a strong supporting cast provides various humorous or dramatic textures as required. But Chan's most engaging scene partner is Red Hare, who emerges with a lively, mischievous personality, protecting the stubborn Luo rather than vice versa.

Throughout the film, Yang playfully includes references to many of Chan's iconic movies, including clips of his epic stunts and their accompanying injuries. This gives the film an almost elegiac feel to it, as Chan revisits his career and considers the physical cost of never shying away from danger. Then as Luo, he struggles to understand why the industry no longer allows stuntmen to risk their lives. This adds some depth to the emotions that surge overpoweringly all the way through the narrative.

themes, language

4.Apr.23

Kircher is excellent in a demanding, complex role as a young man who feels old inside, sensing that there's been a tidal shift in his life following his father's death. The actor manages to make the infuriatingly evasive Lucas hugely charming, demonstrating gifts for comedy, drama and musicality. His interaction with Binoche, Lacoste and especially Fale is nuanced and often unexpected, reflecting the collisions of people who are dealing with issues in their own ways while also trying to connect with each other.

Along the way, there are earthy moments of grief, compassion, affection and sex. And after dragging a bit along the way, the narrative heads into a final act in which Lucas' frustration boils over to provoke differing reactions for the audience. It's so intense that it threatens to over-balance the entire film, and it definitely muddles any possible thematic kick. This is an unusually textured coming-of-age drama that offers hope without ever taking the simplistic route through a messy situation.

themes, language, violence, sexuality

23.Mar.23 flare