Are the kids alright?

by thebexter on 20-Nov-09 14:08

Not sure if it's because I've just come back from maternity leave and have gone all soppy and maternal but the first film 'Robin' really affected me. A young boy in Germany is taken back to his highrise council flat after a period in care and it's clear from the outset that his depressed mum and her violent partner just aren't equipped to parent him. A really heartbreaking film, brilliantly paced - you feel trapped in the horrible flat with them and the soundtrack of Robin's baby sister's incessant crying... One that will stay with me.

Another kid having a hideous time was Australian Joe in 'Miracle Fish', an exceptional dramatic short with a shock ending from filmmaker Luke Doolan. When Joe slopes off to the school sick bay on his 8th birthday to escape the bullies, a Columbine style massacre occurs...see this film if you can - it's brilliant.

It was the kids committing the atrocity in 'Beheading of a Smiling Dog', (Switzerland) which - if you'll pardon the pun - does what it says on the (dog food) tin. Watched this through my fingers - not only am I soppy and maternal, I'm a sucker for cute animals to boot. Shocking, dark and probably happening for real right now somewhere in the world...

So on to the adults...I really enjoyed 'Roma', an atmospheric Mexican short from Director/Producer Elisa Miller focusing on a young woman's clandestine journey by freight train. Hiding in a soap factory to rest and wash before boarding another train, she is befriended by a kind stranger. Very little dialogue but brilliant performances mean the characters say a lot.

'A Good Friend of Mr World' left me cold - sorry Sweden!

Another strong programme - thanks Encounters.

Tagged:Encounters, South West, Short film

Please login or register to comment