Jimmy_fingers

about twenty minutes into the film it struck me that I was bored, jaded I think by the fact the film was walking, if not a well worn path one walked several times before, most obviously in the films of Larry Clark ('Kids' and 'Bully'). That in itself is not a bad thing perse, but films like this rely on shock value for both acclaim ('gritty' 'unflinching' 'social realism' 'taboo breaking') and notoriety. I wasn't shocked by this film, never in the manner I was by 'Kids' or 'Bully'.

Firstly the wannabe fitting in with the cool kids is an old, old tale. Granted this film turns the volume up several notches but this is standard teenage fare, from 'Heathers' to the series 'Popular'.

Secondly I found the speed she descended into this other world unconvincing. Certainly the self-harm is a massive signpost that the potential is there (and perhaps a little clumsy with it). And why is she messed up? Absent father we are told in no uncertain terms. Sorry but change the record. The poor mother struggles to control a child going off the rails while the father is too wrapped up with his own world. I've heard that before.

However I will conceed this: the film is well acted and executed. In particular I felt the last few scenes were gripping and finally I felt involved with these people. Sadly just as that happened the film ended

Rented this blind, and didn't realise it was Nic Cage's directorial debut. Big fan of his, or at least his early work. Talking of his early work, the film showed clear clues as to his influences, as the film has touches of Coen and Lynch about it (Cage's cameo in particular was extremely Lynchian). I thought the story interesting and well executed. The characters were wonderful, in particular Blenthyn's 'madame'. I thought visually it worked brilliantly, in particular setting it in 1981 (presumably of course where the book is set). I like how the film's ending allowed you to make up your own mind.

Very worthy effort from Cage and well worth a viewing

Liked this film a lot. A rework of the classic Romeo and Juliet impossible-love scenario, it managed to stand out from the crowd, not least because of the impressive cinematography (helped in no small part by the wonderful locales and the beautiful tribes people (The Iban). While never being earth-shattering, for a film to watch with a loved one (without being too girly) this is hard to top IMO. It shows the moral struggle of a man who has to choose between 'duty' and love. The arrogance and conditioning of British colonialism is dealt with well, as we struggled to impose our European values and God on peoples in far flung corners, and indeed it shows the irony that we struggled to retain it ourselves as the beauty of the place and people intoxicated our men (a few cads apart)

Watch it with wifey/girlfriend/prospective mate