Lamb

...as a stroll of snug tension, then a trot, a canter and full gallop. This "terrible beauty" of a film will not suit everyone. Many simply won't even be able to manage it at all. It accosts viewers and taunts all to be as fearless as it. LAMB shrieks the cries of angels. The chemistry...the alchemy of Liam Neeson and Hugh O'Conor together is magisterial in their double-punch of excruciatatingly shared passion, each for the other. Perfect beauty has the fastest fade. How? Oh, oh but how?

Whether or not you like this movie depends a lot on what you are looking for. i thought it was a really interesting movie, but if you are a sucker for happy movies, this is not the one to watch. If, on the other hand, you are a movie masochist and like somewhat realistic plots even if they can get a bit depressing, this is a really good movie. The best part of this movie is the fact that it is different. No boring same-old-plot-with different-settings for this movie. Liam can make anything believable, and that is what gets you with this movie.

The answer of how an electro shock can be inspiring, is buried within this little film. Unapologetic to a fault. Tense, and tender. It grabs you by the throat and doesn't let you go. I understand the outcries about the ending, but, what did you expect? In a painful, shattering way, the ending is utterly rewarding, true to its message, even if it leaves you gasping for air. Interesting to notice, Gianni Amelio's masterpiece "Stolen Children" seems a remake of "Lamb" a film that, by its very nature, should appear impossible to emulate. If you're not afraid of an emotional wallop, go for Lamb.

Lamb is a complex film; well-directed and acted. The story of a Catholic priest at an Irish reform school and a young boy who has been abused since birth is a difficult subject matter for a motion picture. We are all rooting for the priest (who becomes a former priest) and the troubled boy to get away and start a new life. And a Hollywood ending would have the former priest meeting a nice young woman, and all three would bond and live happily ever after.

But this film does not have a Hollywood ending. And the film shows clearly that just one bad decision can ruin one's life. Fascinating to watch an early entry of Liam Neeson's brilliant career, and the tragic screenplay that will evoke sadness in anyone who sees it.

The characters depicted are difficult to like or appreciate.