I decided to see this movie, in part, thanks the two very positive reviews that it had right here on IMDb. While I did see quite a few positive aspects of the movie, I was left feeling disappointed overall.
I won't discuss the plot at all here - you can get that from the IMDb page or the other reviews. I will, instead, look at what the film does well, and at what it does not do well.
What the film does well is create a very tense situation for our characters, where we spend a good deal of time on the edge of our seats. These characters have to navigate the very brutal world around them, trying to make ends meat. They are living in constant fear, they have no security, there are no social structures in place to help them (the kinds of social structures we take for granted in most first world countries). These aspects of the film are done very well.
Likewise done very well is the cinematography, where you will note the lack of excessive use of shaky cam or other annoying techniques. Finally, the acting is pretty solid overall, with a few exceptions.
The film does a few things quite poorly. While I wouldn't go so far as to say that it fails to create an engaging plot, the plot certainly leaves a lot to be desired. It seems as though it was glossed over rather than fully developed. Moreover, the writing is pretty poor throughout the movie. Some scenes play out laughably unrealistically, while others just leave too much up in the air.
Finally, I would mention that despite the fact that film is categorized as "action", you should not expect any real action scenes of any value.
I rate this movie 6 out of 10, and I don't recommend it for the average movie-goer, although those who have an inclination for one or more of the elements the film focuses around may find it enjoyable.
I won't discuss the plot at all here - you can get that from the IMDb page or the other reviews. I will, instead, look at what the film does well, and at what it does not do well.
What the film does well is create a very tense situation for our characters, where we spend a good deal of time on the edge of our seats. These characters have to navigate the very brutal world around them, trying to make ends meat. They are living in constant fear, they have no security, there are no social structures in place to help them (the kinds of social structures we take for granted in most first world countries). These aspects of the film are done very well.
Likewise done very well is the cinematography, where you will note the lack of excessive use of shaky cam or other annoying techniques. Finally, the acting is pretty solid overall, with a few exceptions.
The film does a few things quite poorly. While I wouldn't go so far as to say that it fails to create an engaging plot, the plot certainly leaves a lot to be desired. It seems as though it was glossed over rather than fully developed. Moreover, the writing is pretty poor throughout the movie. Some scenes play out laughably unrealistically, while others just leave too much up in the air.
Finally, I would mention that despite the fact that film is categorized as "action", you should not expect any real action scenes of any value.
I rate this movie 6 out of 10, and I don't recommend it for the average movie-goer, although those who have an inclination for one or more of the elements the film focuses around may find it enjoyable.
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