Others will tell you the story of the story; I'll just tell you that it had me within 20 minutes - from the love that shines from the very first morning children wake-up scene to the ending face of horror.
I had no awareness of what I was watching - no pre conceptions - and yes, there is an element of 'European' to the story line - it doesn't connect all the dots for you, it doesn't try to guide you anywhere for anything - it just presents its' self to you and it is, in my opinion, left to you to make of it what-you-will - super-critically, that might have been done a little better, or smoother, perhaps overall - but it doesn't detract as the topic is fractured to start with.
This is one of those films that *actually* causes a response in you - the constant background build-up of children stress and noise makes you realize you're holding your breath waiting for the moment to pass - if you can separate the experience from reality, you're a far more disconnected person than i - and that is part of the realisation that you're watching something interesting.
The facet of the riots and the actual footage and trial coverage is well done and balanced - it's always on in the background of peoples rooms - saying the same thing, over and over; but it's not the reason for the film nor the focus; this is not a political shinty-stick norm really, an attempt at morale crusading - it's a slice of life at a particular time, and involving disparate characters that are all in the same chapter of the event - the ending was perfectly timed; where else could it go? Just on, and on, and on? - it has to stop somewhere, just not at the station that says 'Here is a nice and neat all tied-up with string and a bow ribbon ending' I like that, because it's true. Not a studio led must-have happy ending.
I was captivated by Halle - Daniel Craig's character barely got away with its' self and could have had a touch more to it which would have helped with understandings and sympathies greatly; but it's OK without - it's the film that is the story here, not the lead characters.
The three youngsters were brilliant and will, I am sure, go far, if they haven't already - both new to me - the dissident young lady and Halle's eldest child and self described "friend"; whose future was an under current from the get-go.
Watch this with no expectations and judge it accordingly. If you choose to criticise (any) film for what it doesn't do, then you must self-question what it was you thought its objective was. This film is entertainment, and observation, from a certain vantage.
It doesn't try to be anything more than it is - and the sum of its parts are worthy of a 7 without question.
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