An Ordinary Man

Ben Kingsley plays 'The General', a War Criminal in some unstated country hiding from those who would prosecute him for his crimes.

His only normal human contact is that of his 'maid' (Hera Hilmar) - an, initially, reluctant participant in the relationship.

Kingsley plays his part with equal indifference and suppressed savagery - though no explicit details are given of his 'atrocities' - you become quickly convinced that this is a creature capable of committing them.

Hilmars' portrayal of a person bound by circumstance is equally ambivalent. Initially repulsed by The General, a tenuous connection rears it's head.

There's very little in the way of 'action' during the entire film - this is not a film about actions, but about the consequences.

Watching he interplay between 'The General' and 'The Maid' is both fascinating and morbid - like watching a car crash in slow motion.

I heartily recommend this film for fans of Kingsley - but if you're expecting an action packed, explosion driven extravaganza of the more modern genre, you'll be disappointed. Hera Hilmar too, plays her part with a subtlety that shows the depth of her acting experience.

A former general (Ben Kingsley) is wanted by the international community for war crimes. He is being protected by his supporters. He gets moved again and gets new maid Tanja (Hera Hilmar). He is suspicious of the young maid who isn't good at cleaning or cooking.

This is following the wrong protagonist. Sure, Kingsley is the biggest actor here or most anywhere. That instinct only goes so far. He should not be the subject of the movie. Nobody cares if he lives or dies or captured. There is no tension without the rooting interest. Any possible rooting interest resides with Tanja. She should be the protagonist. The mystery of her intentions can be maintain and the reveal would actually mean something. The audience should be invested with her instead of him. The ending should have been shocking but it's met with a shrug and a meh. The idea of making this monster human could be compelling but it needs the context of the war. Without it, nobody can truly get a feel for him.

A truly moving experience! This presentation has everything, love, honour, justice, vengeance, hatred, hope, hopelessness. This is filled with superb acting and I was left knowing the cost of knowledge. To what or to whom will we sacrifice our all?

Intriguing film. Kept me guessing as to what would happen next. Ben Kingsley gives an excellent performance. I was struck by the scene in the country when an old woman seemingly ignores Kingsley, but just touches the side of his face as she passes him. Great moment. Not a perfect film, but definitely worth seeing.

Have seen this excellent film with a 1st Class performance by both Ben Kingsley and the maid Hera Hilmar, kudos to both!