Children of Fate

Superbly acted and directed, visually stunning, a touching story that definitely needed to be told. This is a short film well worth watching. It is not difficult to see that the subject matter is close to the writer's heart and I think that is a large part of what makes this short film so fabulous. The heartfelt writing combined with truthful acting and clear direction had me immersed in a little piece of history I had never been exposed to. The cinematography was also gorgeous and the beautiful costumes only added to the film's visual appeal. I'd highly recommended "Children of Fate" and will most definitely watch it again. Bravo.

It's very rare that a film will move and inspire me enough to consider writing a review…let alone actually write the review. And move me, this film did.

As a historical record based on an actual event, I had no idea of the hardships the Hungarian people endured and the struggles they faced during the occupation. I was so affected that I ended up researching the era and events on my own later.

The production value of this movie is nothing short of spectacular. It reviles some of the best of the big-budget films that we see every day. Even after watching the movie several times, I still can't believe it was shot in Vancouver. The use of the black and white photography is often a risky choice; it's a choice that pays off really big for Children of Fate. I felt I was there, in the middle of it all, witnessing the events. The director certainly has an eye!

Children of Fate shows incredible promise and talent. The secret behind good acting is good writing and it's easy to see how the actors were inspired to give such a great performance. It's this deadly combination coupled with the phenomenal production values that really makes this film stand out.

When I see movies like this, I'm really proud to be a member of the local film community. I highly recommend watching Children of Fate. Two thumbs up!

Writer/Director Nastasha Baron has laid down the gauntlet with her exquisite short film.

Children Of Fate, beautifully shot in black & white, gives a glimpse into the tragic events that haunt a Hungarian family in WWII. Precise detail in set decoration and costuming perfectly captures the time and place. The acting is outstanding (especially the stunning Claire Smithies as Anna, and Michelle Grigor as little Eva, who gives a touching performance in the last scene). The screenplay is strong, and stands as an example to other filmmakers that above all else, you must have a story.

If you get a chance to see it, do.

A story from a little known and rarely discussed piece of history. Angst and heartbreak away from the main lines of conflict during the second world war. Excellent writing, acting and direction entwine for a memorable and emotionally wrenching experience. Technically without a flaw. It is as good in the end as every independent project dreamt of being in it's first day. Aside from the use of black and white, acting and directing risks come off as subtle triumphs on the screen. Pacing is bang on for the subject matter. This short is the kind of calling card that doesn't wait in the mailbox for you to saunter out and collect it, it bangs on the door and announces itself to the entire room. Expect to see much more from Ms. Baron.

CHILDREN OF FATE boasts that it's based on a true story, and it shows. It obviously pays more attention to "the way things really happened" than to telling a story or creating characters. The result is a short movie that's uninteresting at best, and incomprehensible at worst, to anyone who isn't a member of the writer/director's family.

Some people have praised the acting, for some reason, but it can most generously be described as competent. The embarrassing moments, such as Anna's lengthy and pointless confrontation with the Soviet soldier, are the fault of the script rather than the performance; the scene just lies there, but even a better actor couldn't have done much with it. The actors recite their lines creditably enough, but don't inhabit the thinness of the characters as written.

The movie's one good facet is the production design. The props, the costumes, even the black-and-white cinematography, do create a sense of the period that's impressive in a small, independent movie. And, with a reported budget of $350,000 for this 14-minute movie, that's no more than we can expect.

Worth watching for wannabe movie-makers who want to see how British Columbia can play WWII-era Hungary. Not worth watching for audiences who want to be entertained and/or enlightened.