Motherland

This beautiful film accomplishes more emotionally and with narrative in 41 minutes than many films would in 3 hours. We meet two characters from different corners of the world who are unsure if they share common ground, or if they are on a collision course. We go quickly from watching from a distance to being drawn in emotionally on the strength (and fragility) of the characters. The acting is excellent and intense. And the audience is left to make their own conclusions on characters and motivations - conclusions are not contrived or forced. Hreno lets us make our own determinations of the characters and their motivations. Nothing however can prepare you for the ending. One is left with both a sense of despair and the sense that we are all connected. This rich and moody drama catches the many (and conflicted) nuances of emotions and rationality. An amazing accomplishment in such a short time.