Lessons in Red

Some dodgy acting aside, this is a mildly interesting tale about two boys who suspect their teacher is a communist and the ensuing fallout from this revelation.

Writer/ director, Schwartz has fashioned a good looking, austere film but his actors can't quite summon up the authentic emotions needed to deliver such a sensitive subject. When they emote, you can tell they're reading from a script which is a shame. They do better when casually chatting to each other.

Even the two boy's friendship seems slightly forced and stilted. Maybe the cast just needed more rehearsal time. On the plus side the film has a fresh, clean look evocative of the time period it is set in.

At fifteen minutes, this is worth a look and, overall, it is a film that doesn't push too hard - a good call from the director.