Review of Barbara

A little understanding of the political background to this very good film would be helpful as the audience is dropped into the story with the impression that significant things have happened in the characters recent past and yet these events are not made overly explicit, we are left seeing only the shattered remnants of lives.The title character doesn't articulate her frustration and bitterness through expositional dialogue,rather it is etched on her unsmiling face as she chain smokes her way through the days. An atmosphere of paranoia pervades the film but cleverly the film chooses not to force this across ,rather a subtle air of distrust hangs over the film.Subtle also describes the look of the film which is sensitively photographed making good use of natural light sources,the film does look quietly beautiful.

However as the film progresses events begin to become more dramatically focused and although in some ways satisfying it's a little disappointing that a film that has carefully avoided the usual trappings of similar films resolves itself in a slightly pedestrian manner.That said an optimistic conclusion does make the film a more palatable experience given the sombre nature of the situation and the title characters growing self realisation provides a welcome positive climax.

The film abounds with excellent performances that brilliantly convey both the banality of evil and the pressures of living under such a regime.