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ddumanis
Reviews
In America (2002)
Heartbreaking
What a sweet film. It really evokes the gritty magic of New York and how it looks the first time you see it...warts and all...all of the actors are very good, but the two little girls in particular are spectacular. Their leap in faith in coming to America is paralleled by the leaps of faith they make every day living in a terrible neighborhood with pimps, junkies and whores...and yet the kids being kids mostly see it as an adventure. Absolutely disarming and beautiful. The visual film work is very nice, and I liked the use of the hand held cameras in the film, alternating between the 35 mm film and the video. The sacrifices that these folks make to achieve their dream and escape their past is very inspiring, and is probably shared by most other immigrants.
Rosetta (1999)
Tragically Watchable
A very tragic tale...almost comes off like a documentary with the hand-held camera work, which was dizzying at times. The lead actress was excellent and the girl's determination to lead a normal life was admirable, although at times heartbreaking. Watching her go through her everyday routines was fascinating.
I did also find that I wasn't pleased with the ending...didn't really conclude in any meaningful way for me..but it is the closest I've ever been to getting inside the head of someone who is struggling just to stay alive on such a basic level. I kind of wish that the ending had been more clearly spelled out..on the other hand I know that's very American of me:)