I saw Friedlander's film @ Hot Docs. The best I can say is the cinematography is delightful. The film is shot in a national park, and the stunning natural beauty contrasts sharply with the poisonous yellow sulphur rocks and acrid smoke.
The problem is there is no story line! Does Anton escape the excruciating physical labour and pursue higher education? Or, is this his destiny? We never do find out! The culprit, or so it seems, is the mine owner (whom we meet) who employs these young independent miners performing perilous work. But Fridlander's film steers clear of dramatic tension by focusing on their prayers and unmet aspirations.
Indonesia is a populous, complex country with abundant natural resources waiting to be exploited. Where Heaven Meets Hell introduces audiences to its beauty, but fails to deliver on the resolution of its many contradictions.
The problem is there is no story line! Does Anton escape the excruciating physical labour and pursue higher education? Or, is this his destiny? We never do find out! The culprit, or so it seems, is the mine owner (whom we meet) who employs these young independent miners performing perilous work. But Fridlander's film steers clear of dramatic tension by focusing on their prayers and unmet aspirations.
Indonesia is a populous, complex country with abundant natural resources waiting to be exploited. Where Heaven Meets Hell introduces audiences to its beauty, but fails to deliver on the resolution of its many contradictions.