rebell50

On the face of it a bleak film due to the location, time of year and ways in which it was shot. However the film is narrated through the eyes of a teenager and although slow paced at times still manages to draw in the viewer through the characters sensitive acting and our awareness of the issues raised. The main theme is the relationship between Saimir and his father It depicts the father doing his best in providing a secure start for their new life as immigrants albeit by questionable means. Saimir initially the dutiful son but as his awareness grows of the business he's an accomplice in and coming of age clashes occur he ultimately leaves us with a feeling of the immigrant as a knight. The father and son relationship always simmers beneath the surface when not actually erupting into a clash. The acting by both key roles is strong and the other cast also. Their is some excellent soundtrack pieces, a particularly captivating scene is of the immigrants burglary on a rich house when they each satisfy their inner needs and are innocent to what is of instinctive value.

I went to see this by chance one wet afternoon after work and came out feeling great. It's a quirky little gem that carries you along and reminds you of the innocence and emotions you felt as a teenager. It does this in a manner that is totally authentic to the culture from which it comes and reminds us of our own cultures loss of identity.

The male character is interesting as he is initially manipulated as a naive male teen by the lead female (who is lesbian), but later metamorphosis's into a strong and true friend who we could all use. I loved the bit where they sit on their bicycles next to each other in the traffic and watch each others faces in between inching alternatively ahead of each other.