35 Shots of RumI fell deeply and completely in love with this film.
This is pure drama, with no melodrama. It is quiet to be sure. There are no shouting matches, huge dramatic twists, or big emotional u-turns. There is only the realistic actions of real people. We know a father loves a daughter for their small kindnesses, not dramatic exposition about familial ties. We know how a man feels about an ex from his facial expressions, not from grand pronouncements or sad indie music playing in the background. We know how a lonely man feels by the look on his face, and not speeches about the injustice of life.
Every performance is a revelation, but the best is Alex Descas. He says very little but speaks volumes. First time actress Mati Diop is brilliant as well. I think I fell in love with her. I was instantly engaged in their relationship because you dont know what it is at first, forcing you to speculate, constantly changing your impressions of them and their actions.
The dance scene is one of the most romantic things I have ever seen on film,
and yet it ends with an emotional crushing scene of unrequited love. After my girlfriend and I watched the film, we re-watched the dance two times. I cant believe I might be voting something other than IB for best dramatic scene!
I have not physically gasped in a film for a long time but I did when he said
Rene was the man on the tracks.It is also gorgeous, especially the children with lanterns scene.
This is easily in my top five of 2009.
Grade:
A+