dj_schweikert2007

This astounding film showcases exactly what it possible with the documentary format. It gives us an incredibly intriguing and captivating look at a little corner of the world that we would never otherwise have had the opportunity to see. And it does it as well as any film can do.

It shows us some people and their lives who we never would have otherwise known existed, if not for this film. It allows us to understand their struggle, to see the similarities and differences in all of us, to empathize with them. That is the power of the documentary.

The film takes lessons from the documentaries of the past, and applies those lessons in order to tell this story in the best way possible. It is intriguing on all fronts, both visually and aurally. It is an excellent film and I consider myself lucky to have seen it.

This beautiful film belongs to my favorite category in cinema, which it to say, it is unclassifiable. To put it simply, this is one of those rare films that dares to break the rules. It is outside of the box.

If you haven't seen it, perhaps the closest thing I can compare it to would be Chris Marker's Sans Soleil. If you remember that film, you know that a lot of people just didn't get it or didn't have the patience to try to allow themselves to enjoy it. But for those who did have an eye for it, it was a wonderful experience that we rarely get in cinema.

Of course, this is not that film. I only used that for comparison to help tell a little about it. But Chris Marker made films like only Chris Marker could make, and this one, by Jean-Daniel Pollet, is one like only Pollet could make.

It's so simple yet so complex. And it's ingenious in that way. And yes, it is good because it is so rare. Perhaps there are a few filmmakers out there trying to make films like this, and the ones who do it well make it look easy. A shot of some pottery here, a table there. But that's just what's on the surface.

Those who have an eye for it, and a brain for it, will see what's really there. And a talented filmmaker will be able to show what is really there. And that is the case with this film.

Pedro Costa is the master of minimalism and for those who enjoy that form of filmmaking this will be a feast for the senses. He has made multiple wonderful films that fit the genre so I can not say this is his best but it is better than most films I have seen and I have seen a lot.

It is a beautiful film about a nurse and a volcano. Doesn't that description alone make you want to watch it? It sounds so simple and it is. And simple equals brilliance in the hands of the expert filmmaker Pedro Costa.

Be forewarned however that if you were not intrigued by the description about the nurse and the volcano then this may not be the film for you. Costa has a certain style that only some enjoy. But if you are one of the lucky few you will surely love this film.

There are many wonderful shots and the editing is brilliant. So often the camera does not cut away when in the hands of another filmmaker it would. Costa's distinct visual style astounds the senses. The cinematography alone is breathtaking let alone the beautiful story that will leave you misty eyed.

It is considered to be a remake of the 1943 film 'I Walked with the Zombie' although that one is considered to be a horror film and this effort is far superior. It is a drama and it is an improvement upon the earlier film. This is my favorite European film of the nineties.