With a perfectly dramatic opening and stylish graphics this looked very promising - then the foolish dialogue for some overly simplistic characters begins to filter through, eroding the impact somewhat. I might imagine the original novel by Paula Farias, based on her experiences as an Aid worker in the field of war, could offer a better treatment of this important topic. But, Spanish screenwriter/director Fernando Leon de Aranoa, tends to choose a somewhat clichéd juvenile approach to the otherwise thoughtful, often nasty, situations. Some scenes work well while others languish in overstretched simplicity. If any solid observances come out of this work it's the telling ineptness of the U.N. ('United Nothing' as these writers aptly label it).
The cast is attractive and the cinematography is of the higher calibre. Out of several selections of 'era' music, the most moving is a curious version of Pete Seeger's 60's anti-war ballad "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" sung by Marlene Dietrich. This imparts a stronger feel for the subject - lending a better impression to the overall movie than it fully deserves. Worth a look for its depiction of the cruel aspects of modern, international political warfare and the crushing impact it has on those living amongst the carnage. It's set towards the end of the Yugoslav wars and as we are being told here, rope is a scarce commodity, as it's mostly used to hang people.
Not a great deal of fun in this so-called 'comedy'.
The cast is attractive and the cinematography is of the higher calibre. Out of several selections of 'era' music, the most moving is a curious version of Pete Seeger's 60's anti-war ballad "Where Have All the Flowers Gone" sung by Marlene Dietrich. This imparts a stronger feel for the subject - lending a better impression to the overall movie than it fully deserves. Worth a look for its depiction of the cruel aspects of modern, international political warfare and the crushing impact it has on those living amongst the carnage. It's set towards the end of the Yugoslav wars and as we are being told here, rope is a scarce commodity, as it's mostly used to hang people.
Not a great deal of fun in this so-called 'comedy'.