Theeb-2015

Director-Naji Abu Nowar

Starring-Jacir Eid

Scott’s Review #459

Reviewed August 4, 2016

Grade: B+

An Arabic spoken foreign language film that received a 2015 nomination for Best Foreign Language film, Theeb is an old world film set in 1916 during the time of the Ottoman empire.

The event is  World War I as an Englishman battles Arabs and nobody can be trusted.

The film is largely shot in the smoldering Arabian desert (in Jordan) and told from the perspective of a child- named Theeb. Despite the very slow pace of the film, it makes the moments of action even more important and the film has a grainy quality to it that makes it somewhat of a bizarre Arabian western.

Theeb lives in a small village run by his father and older brother, Hussein. One night a mysterious Arab man and an Englishman arrive in the village seeking a guide to take them to a Roman well, close to the Ottoman railway.

The mission is feared a dangerous one, as the trail they must take is riddled with bandits, not to mention, the Englishman owns a box containing gold, making him a vulnerable target.

Theeb, left behind because he is so young, follows and joins them, much to the group’s chagrin. Predictably, trouble ensues and Theeb must fend for himself.

What I enjoyed about this film is its unpredictability in what happens after the group faces danger. Sure, when the foursome sets out on a trail led by camels, we know bad stuff will happen.

But, finally left to his own devices, I was intrigued as to how Theeb would face his new challenges, having up until now been protected by his family.

In ways, Theeb reminded me of another adventure film, Life Of Pi, though Theeb is a much darker film. Both feature a young, non-American male of Indian or Middle Eastern background, forced to survive largely on his own.

The John Boorman classic, Deliverance, also came to mind during one dark scene, as Theeb and Hussein cower amongst rocky caves while their devilish pursuers taunt and whistle at them mockingly from below.

The hunter vs. victim component is front and center and it is killed or be killed.

Later, an interesting bond develops between Theeb and one of the raiders (Hassan) as both are mistrustful of each other. Will they forge the bond or will one betray the other? The answer to this question emerges during the final moments of the film and the buildup is very compelling. I was aware of the father and son dynamic mixed in with the friend and enemy.

When Theeb treats Hassan’s wounds there is tenderness on the exterior, but is Theeb fully kind to Hassan?

A slight negative for me existed in that I did not buy that the period was the early 20th century, but rather, everyone looked and acted so modern as if they were merely dressed up for their parts….as they were. Perhaps it had to do with the hairstyles or mannerisms.

Shot entirely in Wadi Rum, Jordan, a gorgeous part of the world, the desert and big sky lend much to the ambiance this creates. It was almost like being in the old, wild west and an ode to old western films, only set in the Arabic world.

The entire cast, save for the Englishman, are non-actors, an amazing achievement, and a measure that creates an obvious level of realism that rehearsed actors cannot always bring to the table.

Originally meant to be a short film only, Theeb emerged as a full-length feature and I am glad it did, as it has enough meat to warrant a longer duration.

The film is a cinematic wonder with a psychological edge.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film

A War-2015

Director-Tobias Lindholm

Starring-Pilou Asbaek, Tuva Novotny

Scott’s Review #456

Reviewed July 29, 2016

Grade: B+

A War, a 2015 film, made in Denmark, is a thought-provoking story that one might think is a standard “war film” on the surface, but as the film moves along, it turns into something much deeper and rather cerebral.

A slow mover, but necessary to the nature of the film’s message,  the viewer questions what he or she might do in a similar predicament as the main character faces a moral dilemma.

The action begins in Afghanistan as we meet a company of Danish soldiers assigned to protect civilians from the evil Taliban. They are young, good-looking and of varying ethnic groups (a nice touch by the film).

One female soldier seems to be thrown in for good measure, though we never see her in combat.

Their leader is Commander Claus Pedersen, a good, decent man, well-liked by his troop. They have all seen death and destruction, and Pedersen frequents the middle of the action on the front lines.

He is one of the guys.

When one of his men is wounded during an attack, Pedersen makes a controversial decision, resulting in the deaths of civilians, some children.  Pedersen is then charged with a war crime and sent home to Denmark to be tried. His wife and three small children are happy he is home, but distraught and opinionated on how he should testify.

The thing I found interesting about A War is how the film shifts gears around the mid-way point.  The camaraderie between the soldiers in the field and their bond with Afghan civilians are mixed with dangerous threats from the Taliban.

I kept waiting for an attack to occur and in these ways, the film is a standard war film.

Mixed in are snippets of “home life” involving Pedersen’s wife- she appears a typical military wife- struggling to raise her three kids, one of whom has recently developed behavioral problems. They miss Pedersen.

The latter half of the film is largely set inside a courtroom as Pedersen is interrogated by a female prosecutor. While she sympathizes with Pedersen’s anguish, she is looking for a conviction. After all, children were killed because of his actions.

The filmmakers are on Pedersen’s side, but the entire conflict makes for great analysis. Should he be held accountable for deaths in a war zone? The viewer will ask him or herself- “would I lie to stay out of jail and with my family who needs me”? Interesting stuff to ponder.

A War, ironic to the title, is a calm, subdued film- very much impressive to me.  To compare, a film of this nature, targeted as a “blockbuster” would likely have technical enhancers- dramatic music undoubtedly would play to cue action in the war zone.

The climax of the film, when Pedersen’s verdict is read aloud in the courtroom, would contain some jarring camera shots, or an intense musical score.

A War has none of those and that brings a certain reality to it- this could be everyday life. A decision is made and life quietly goes on.

Some complaints about A War being a tad boring. I see their point, but it is an atypical war film. It is understated and character-driven, rather than a shoot ’em up, overwrought with testosterone action, or laced with artillery or explosions.

A War is not that mainstream a film- much to its credit. Rather it is methodical and fraught with interesting thinking points.

Oscar Nominations: Best Foreign Language Film