A Better Place Than This

Beautiful, sad and subtle film that slowly draws you in and even though you are certain of the ending, it sustains hope. Painfully realistic and darkly moving.Brilliant. Having lived for many years in that part of the world I was aware of the tragic nature of people caught up in the drug smuggling that was common amongst young travelers and friends of mine had received harsh sentences in neighboring countries. This short film manages to evoke the fear and fatalism associated with smuggling and its terrible consequences. The acting was completely authentic and the executioner's misery was painful to watch. I'd never heard of this film and was surprised at the sophisticated lighting and score that more than anything made the emotions so credible It is not a film that I would recommend for the faint of heart but it is powerful.

It is amazing to me that so much is told within less than thirty minutes of film. The performances are excellent, the cinematography outstanding, the script and pacing near perfect and a score that contributes without making itself obvious. As for the story itself, the "Death and the Maiden" reference is well-played. Though you know the ending is inevitable, Sophie's coming acceptance is both believable and graceful. Her guard's inner torment and guilt are heart-breaking and yet you can see how committed he is to both his professionalism and with treating the inmates under his control with dignity and compassion. The only comparison I can make is of one of those rare and wonderful short stories you come across from time to time that tell of one incident, one encounter, in so short a form as to be like a tiny diamond. Brilliant and moving.