Internment

If you are a fan of Cold War drama (which is making a huge comeback lately), I would definitely recommend this engaging movie based loosely on real events in communist era Albania.

I saw it recently at the Vienna Independent Film Festival and I was fascinated by the vibrant performances, and subject matter from a country trapped in oppression.

Writer/Director Kast Hasa shapes the story well, and he managed to do a terrific job with casting largely unknown characters who are credible and appealing in their roles. The audience becomes quite attached to the young lovers who play a deadly game with romance in a country where most decisions are made by the government.

Hasa uses the dramatic foil of a man returning from America who turns the little village upside down as the authorities use him to create more turmoil. A father is accused of collaboration with this American enemy , and his family is exiled to internment. A young woman is being forced to marry a member of the ruling party to ensure protection for her family. Both of these plots , including a subplot about a woman who must demean herself in order to visit her brother in prison--Well, everything collides just like a Shakespearean play and the result is as dramatic as one would expect.

Even though this was not a big budget film, the production plays well on the big screen, including textured photography and the scenes filmed on location in Albania are in the exact location where citizens were locked up after any real or imagined transgressions.

Films about Albania are far and few between. This small gem of a movie may not be produced in Hollywood, but the cautionary tale of what can happen in a closed society rings very authentic. I would say it is worth seeing, whether that is in a festival or a streaming service.

Albania has often been overlooked. This movie enlightens and informs, by telling one small but emotional story. It is a story of pain intertwined with a story of love. Imagine an Albainan Shakespearean story.

I was born in the United States of America. I have been sheltered living the "good life". I have not seen or experienced life under dictatorship. My history classes did not inform such details, of beautiful Albania. I was unaware these tragedies existed.

This movie is a glimpse into the lives of the Albanian people and how they survived or died. The story gives an account of one family who seemed to have a better life than most Albanians. However, their better life and knowledge of the outside world has landed them captured and living a world of struggle.

My heart emotionally cried out for this family. To know their struggles and loss of everything in life. I can not fathom the life they endured. Throughout the movie tears freely rolled down my face. This movie is not only informative but heartfelt and emotional.

A depiction of a real struggle but in the midst love does abound. It is evident the young couple's love could never be unified. As a viewer, I felt the heartbreak and I felt the love that existed. The ending gave a sense of peace with the young boy returning to that fateful place, of conception.

All the actors were top notch. A performance given as well or better than any top Hollywood actor. Klodian Hoxha's character was on point. He delivered the reality of how authority was portrayed, used and abused. I felt the underlying anger of those made to submit, to his character.

I loved the details of the costumes and props. It was a very authentic representation. I felt I stepped back in time.

Overall feelings of the movie: Authentic Emotional Heartfelt Informative Realistic Success

Thank you for the glimpse into Albania. I would love to learn more. Be blessed beyond measure.

Carlina