Conspiration

As someone with a long-standing interest in the history of East Timor, I had mixed feelings about this film, and how the people and events would be depicted. However, Robert Connolly did a great job, considering all of the constraints of a limited budget that he had. It did not go into minute detail about the historical events, but nor did it dumb down and sex up.

What happened to the Balibo Five and Roger East is only a very small fraction of the story of what happened in East Timor in 1975, and there will be accusations that the deaths of half a dozen Westerners are given more prominence than what happened to a far greater number of East Timorese. However, the East Timorese actors in the film, none of whom were professional actors, were tremendous - not least as they were reenacting events that they and their families were familiar with.

OK, but not great. Powerful subject, handled with the right degree of respect and gravity. Yet, it is missing something to make it truly interesting. Seems to drag, particularly in the early and middle stages, and, in some ways, feel like a documentary.

Robert Connolly's direction often leaves a lot to be desired: odd/bad camera angles, unsteady tracking shots.

Decent performances though, especially by Anthony LaPaglia as Roger East and Oscar Isaac as Jose Ramos-Horta.

Worth watching for educational purposes, and to show the depths to which humans will sink, but don't watch it hoping for a great drama.

A little known story about genocide in East Timor is well portrayed by Anthony LaPaglia and Oscar Isaac.

about war. and pain, and sufferance and hope. about people. and about the ideals. a film who reminds more than presents. because it is a simple story. not different but other stories of hate and idealism. but , impressive for the remarkable performances and for the atmosphere. for its message . and for the science to give a deeper image about a tragedy near us . to redefine the image and purpose of media. and to present the right portrait of the need to help against risks and against fear.

a film about East Timor. only at first sigh. in fact, a film about basic values of humanity.piece of a large and painful chronicle but, in same measure, a warning. its virtue - it can be more than picture of a case. it is an artistic form of testimony and the beauty and force of images are remarkable. but, in same measure, it is an honest manifesto about media role in political crisis, about sufferance, about the other. and this fact define it in same measure than nuances of performance - Anthony LaPaglia does an impressive role who represents mirror of a cruel reality. A film about essence of a world. not only a territory from Asia but remember of fight for liberty and respect in each part of world, of each period.