lesley_65

They say that truth is stranger than fiction and I think that applies here because if I hadn't known it was a true story I'm not sure I would have believed in it.

The movie follows a police investigation into the murder of a young man in Valencia, Spain. A prime suspect is quickly identified, but the detectives need to surveil and wire tap for some months to gather enough evidence for a conviction, and also to find a suspected accomplice. The film dramatises both the suspects' and the police actions during this period.

This was a very clever script that quickly outlined the basic facts of the case, and then very slowly drew you right into this strange world. You see the story unfold through the eyes of the detectives and as it becomes more and more surprising so the characters become more and more interesting.

The acting was brilliant all round and the film was well paced and nicely photographed. I was riveted by the end and keen to find out more about the true story.

I enjoyed this movie and found it to be good natured, light entertainment. At the start I was unsure how the seemingly hopeless central character could carry the movie, but she was likeable enough to keep me watching and her character develops nicely through the movie. Also there are a number of subplots involving her family members which added to the interest. Certainly the plot is contrived in many places but for the most part it is believable enough to carry messages about family values and determination.

The cross country skiing scenes were the highlight of the movie showcasing some beautiful forest scenery. As an Australian I couldn't help but think that "The Birkin" cross country ski race was somewhat akin to our "City to Surf" fun run which also attracts thousands of participants. It too celebrates athletic success, but like The Birkin it is just as much about having a go, having fun and having the determination to finish.

If you're looking for realistic drama this isn't it, but for light entertainment it's very much worth the watch.

I found this movie entertaining enough but not at all what I've come to expect from French thrillers. Instead of the normally sophisticated story line with lots of genuine surprises this delivers a formulaic plot which could have come straight out of Hollywood. The only genuine surprise was towards the end where the scenarios were so outrageous I wondered whether it was turning to farce, but this was so out of kilter with the rest of the movie that it lost me at that point.

I'm quite used to the violence that comes with this type of thriller and normally it doesn't bother me at all, but I felt that this was unnecessarily brutal and difficult to watch in parts.

But on the good side it was well acted, very well photographed and the locations were superb, so for me it was worth watching, but only just.