American Fable

Even more, simpler that I thought it would be! The story it's quite simple, really. The ending seems abrupt, but it's not really, by the last scene everything is solved... there's nothing to add. Or at least I don't need anything else to add. It's true, there are a few details that I don't know what they mean, and maybe I'm missing something and I didn't realise of something, but as I've understood it makes sense and there's not a lot more to add, even from those details "unsolved" for me. The cinematography is very good, everyone is very good on their roles, and it's a different take on a thematic seen many times before. Good movie. I wonder though what was those details... will update this review if I ever find out!

Really loved this movie. Have to admit that much of what I liked about the film is visual; it's really visually stunning. I think the (director? idk who does this part but...) scenic vistas of farmland are meant to cause a yearning, a pull, an ache for things to be "right" and "good" and "just." Especially beautiful because these vistas are always shown in twilight of the morning or evening; something so quiet and reverent, something so pure and almost holy about it. Like innocence about to be shattered somehow. You find yourself cheering for "Gitty," the main character; a brave young girl whose conscience is more developed (sadly perhaps) than those of the adults in her life. Don't want to give anything away because it's too enjoyable to watch without knowing what happens, but just to say that the allegories of "fables" is sort of woven into the plot, and it reminded me a bit of "Spirited Away," where a young girl has to be brave and have courage and character to be victorious.

Thought this was a wonderful film, visually and atmospherically. The characters were excellent, both the likable and the not-so-likable (like the brother and the 'villain'), and the storyline was gripping and evocative. The only problem for me was the ending, or lack of it - too much was left unexplained which I'm afraid ruined it for me overall.

A thriller from a debutante writer, director. Obviously she did not get support from a big production house, but within the small scale, she has given a nice film. Of course, there were a few flaws. Particularly in the writing section. Overall, the film is very intriguing. The music, locations, performances supported the narration so well. This could be one of the under-noticed film, due to unfamiliar cast and crew. But surely a decent film.

The story of a farmer family. In a small rural America, where farmers are surrendering to death for unable to pay back the loans, a 11 year old girl is not disturbed by the adult's way of life. Her best friend, a chicken named Happy, roam all over surrounding places. One day she finds a man trapped in her silo. They two becomes friends and help each others needs. But the girl never knew there's a complication behind meeting him. And when that breaks loose, drastically things changes and brings an end to the narration with a twist.

The storyline was good, but kind of reminds 'Pan's Labyrinth'. This was more a thriller than a fantasy, yet a few scenes defines it could be influenced by fable as the title say. It had a philosophical touch too. The timeline of the tale was 1980s and in the eyes of adult, it is a perfect thriller that focused on the farmers' issue. But, since the story was narrated from the eyes of a kid, that's where magical perspective blooms. So the mix of both these things makes the film very special.

-xX] Important people don't have to say they're important. [Xx-

When it comes to the film's drawback, the curves of the storytelling, the scenes were not smoothened enough. I mean the ideas were awesome, but small-small thing had hard time to get away with a perfect blend. For example, the girl could have broken the door/lock from the outside or given foods and other items through the window, instead of climbing up. But the major parts of the film had nothing wrong and can be enjoyed. What it all says is the rookie mistake, but surely the filmmaker has talent and hoping her next one would be a top notch.

The little girl was very impressive. It reminds many big stars of the present who once did such a wonderful film as a child artist. So I wish her future to be great. She was all over the film, the rest of the cast had little scope, but they all did good as well. Predicting the story is not hard, but there's always one thing bothers is that the doubt between reality and fiction. You know it's not usual for one to find a man trapped in a silo. It has to be one way or the other as I've said. For that, you have to wait till the commencement of the third act. Because sometimes, the could be the film's greatest twist.

As I've said, it was not a perfect thriller. Nor ignorable! Most of the scene seems intentional, because they were initiated in the early stage like an intro, only in the latter half, once again, they were brought into the narration with the following consequences. How such things were used to complete the storytelling was well planned design. On this, don't believe the film critics. Me either, if you are not a film fanatic. But all I say is, it is not a bad film as you see on the internet. Those who takes chances and appreciates small scale films should try it. But generally, I recommend it to all!

7/10

American Fable is set in the mid west of Reagan's 1980s America where some farmers were financially hard hit, heading for bankruptcy with their land being bought up by investors.

Gitty (Peyton Kennedy) is an eleven year old girl living with her dad Abe (Kip Pardue) who is struggling farmer, mother Sarah (Marci Miller) who is pregnant and older brother Martin (Gavin MacIntosh) who is hostile, bully and a borderline psycho, just see the way he nearly chopped her hand off.

Gitty lives a care free rural life, she may not have many friends but she has a pet chicken and her own fantasy world. One day in an out of bounds silo in the far reaches of their family farm, Gitty finds a businessman Jonathan (Richard Schiff) being held captive. Gitty feeds him, brings him books to read. He tells her stories and even teaches her to play chess. Obviously Richard is befriending her so she can help him escape but he appears to be genuine enough.

It seems her dad, mum and brother are in league with a mysterious woman called Vera, who wants the farmers to fight back against these rich developers. Gitty is in a dilemma whether to free Jonathan and put her family at risk of arrest.

The film wants to be a fable, you have various tales being told, a fantasy sequence but it is not wholly coherent. The film reaches an urgency at the climax but you really are left thinking as to how this crazy brother has not yet been institutionalised.

The film benefits from wonderful photography even the night scenes are well utilised but the film is under-cooked.