Two Pictures

I really wanted to like this movie. Really, really wanted to like it. Story synopsis was intriguing, and cast was mostly people I had not heard of, which often yields pleasant surprises. But, this movie disappointed me. It meandered all over the place, and the event that "changes their lives" really only changes one life, and doesn't really have anything to do with the change in the other persons life. I normally don't mind quiet, thoughtful movies, as long as there is something interesting, or likeable characters. This was quiet, not too thoughtful, and mostly boring. The female lead character was pretty likeable, but the male, not so much. Despite the awards it got, you won't miss anything if you pass this one up, other than not wasting 100 minutes of your life that you won't get back.

Despite the strong and original subject matter and a few exceptional acting performances, this ultimately falls victim to it's own lack of direction. The lead woman is an interesting, extremely lovely and talented and able to convincingly convey a wide range of emotions. The effort to link the two characteres are strained and tenuous, and doesn't even occur unti after an hour in the movie. Supporting cast is strong, but a few drab, lifeless performances does drag the action down. The lead man and burn victim never shuts up with his pretentious and presumptuous blather, even while lying in the hospital bed. An ultimately forgettable guy. Sprinkly in some completely unnecessary scenes, where the dialogue is eye rolling nonsense, and you're wondering what was the point of that? One scene was particularly riveting though, and it's worth watching the movie just to see it. Religious untertones are a distraction, and the last 15 minutes of the film are just a thrown together afterthought it seems. Good camera work and lighting but minutes after viewing this film it was forgotten.