The Survival of Kindness

I'm really not sure what to say about this film. I was completely drawn in by the landscapes. Initially the seemingly random events evoked my curiousity, but as the film went on I started to disengage, maybe because of the lack of any narrative. The film seemed long and I was relieved when it ended.

I was expecting it to be harrowing, I'd read about the violence. But it was quite funny in parts. Actually there wasn't any actual violence, and even the obvious inhumanity and cruelty had a kind of distance to it, almost a caricature.

I didn't come away with a sense of any profound message. And I'm not sure if I liked it or not. There were things, the incredible macro photography of the ants. The soundscape - the entire sound track seems to be the sound of the main characters footsteps. Other sounds - washing gurgling in creeks, metal on metal, the strange sounds that passed for language, all in a kind of aural close-up.

Anyway, go see it. Its certainly a journey.

No pun intended - the movie will test your patience. As much as it seems to test the one of our main character. Someone who needs to break free - will she be able to? And at what price will it happen? There is also quite a lot of ... well the subject of racism is dealt with. It is about the fear of other people. And if it sounds like I am trying to tip toe around some subjects .. it is because I try not to offend of course.

All that said, the movie also has hints of evolution in it. Our main character may not be naked in the beginning, but she seems to go on a journey (no pun intended) ... a journey that may be similar to the one homo sapiens has taken. Of course I may be reading something here that was not entirely intended. But you may find other things of that nature (again, no pun intended) ... like the role of ants. Are we supposed to compare them to humans? Them being able to work together ... not fighting each other? Well ... maybe.

Also the movie does not have a coherent language .. I reckon it is because we are not supposed to blame one nation on the status quo ... or we can project which nation we want to see ... who treats people that badly. Again you can see a lot here ... or almost nothing ... cinematography is really good, no matter what you think of the substance though ... actors may not be trained (many moments that feel anything but professional), but maybe that adds charm ... again you decide ... same goes for the twist at the end ...

This is not for everyone, it's certainly a journey of one character only. In a world that seems to be post-apocalyptic, like the end of the world, virus wiping people out and people are out for survival.

Masterfully made in every way, cinematography is brilliant, the color grade, the music, the amazing locations, excellent directing and just pure cinema brilliance, SO much happens in this film without dialogue - where most SLOW-PACED boring films that use a lot of dialogue tell NO STORY, here is an example of masterful storytelling with no dialogue and with 1-3 characters. (see my other reviews to understand) ROLF DE HEER does it again. This should win so many awards.

Warning this is NOT for the average audience - this is for lovers of cinema and are looking for a unique and cinematic and weird and wonderful experience.