Minnesota_Reid

This version of the classic story centers on the wife, rather than the husband, and it works very well. You get a real feel for the scariness and loneliness of being the first homesteader in an area. You also get a strong feel for the contradictions of a tight-knit faith community: its enforced conformity versus the sense of belonging.

I was surprised by the many negative reviews of this movie on IMDB. My only criticism was that the actor playing the husband was completely uncharismatic.

Good movie, recommended.

This is a decent movie about the immigrant experience -- this time, Iranian refugees in Finland. This refugee family is awaiting the green card or deportation decision, and meanwhile is successfully making a life for themselves. A lot of the movie is very low key, showing how nice the family is and how well they are fitting in. But the end of the movie was touching and strong, and makes the movie worth considering if the topic is of interest.

This movie is an interesting movie about a kid who goes from Mexico City to the US border to pick up his father's remains. But then the kid spots a man whom the kid is sure is his father, still alive. Soon the kid is sucked into being part of the dark exploitation machine that surrounds the big factories in Mexico bordering the US.

Unfortunately, in its last quarter, the movie loses its focus and becomes much less engaging. Also, while the actors get the job done, they don't provide the value-added depth that fine actors can bring to a movie. Where's Demian Bichir when you need him?

Worth considering if the topic appeals to you.