Sorting out my thoughts about this movie is tricky since I did read the book and it's hard to forget it.
The book has the distinction of being narrated by the younger sister and so a crucial part of the book's identity is lost. But I think this is for the best since it instead chooses to tell its story visually rather than use an annoying narrator to tell us what we can see. A first person novel is incredibly intimate while a movie (when made like a movie, not a book) has the advantage of a certain aloofness and there is something voyeuristic in the cool pacing and candour of this story.
There is a much stronger character in the mother here as someone on a quest for spirituality but not sure what kind of spirituality. The focus is on the family and isn't centred on the little girl so much.
The on location filming is beautiful even if it could have given us more in terms of local colour.
Overall I enjoyed this breezy movie about people on an indeterminate path in life and trying to find identity in exotic lands and how this doesn't turn out as will as you hope. The light touch is much appreciated and the sense of intimacy of the family is evident from their physical interaction. The little girl strolls dressed in nothing but underpants to cuddle with Mom; later she slides up close to Mum making love with her Muslim lover.
At it's core a little disquieting but ultimately warm experience.
The book has the distinction of being narrated by the younger sister and so a crucial part of the book's identity is lost. But I think this is for the best since it instead chooses to tell its story visually rather than use an annoying narrator to tell us what we can see. A first person novel is incredibly intimate while a movie (when made like a movie, not a book) has the advantage of a certain aloofness and there is something voyeuristic in the cool pacing and candour of this story.
There is a much stronger character in the mother here as someone on a quest for spirituality but not sure what kind of spirituality. The focus is on the family and isn't centred on the little girl so much.
The on location filming is beautiful even if it could have given us more in terms of local colour.
Overall I enjoyed this breezy movie about people on an indeterminate path in life and trying to find identity in exotic lands and how this doesn't turn out as will as you hope. The light touch is much appreciated and the sense of intimacy of the family is evident from their physical interaction. The little girl strolls dressed in nothing but underpants to cuddle with Mom; later she slides up close to Mum making love with her Muslim lover.
At it's core a little disquieting but ultimately warm experience.