Big Boys Don't Cry? This One Did.....

Rating: 9/10 (22 September 2011)

I'm meant to provide at least ten lines according to IMDb - Yet this film only needs one word, 'Profound' - I could use a thousand and still not describe this MONUMENT of a film ......let's try.....engaging, hypnotic, beautiful, deep, shocking, chilling, honest, disturbing, emotional, original, soul destroying, uplifting, tear invoking, truly 'human'. No 'spoilers',or 'clever clichés' are needed ( I don't think there's a single cliché in the whole two hours) - I've waited a long time for a film like this - After writing the effect it had; just to get my thoughts down while still fresh, I'm going straight to my best mate and fellow film lover's house with a glorious yet modest DVD case and demand he watch it - "right now, Dave, right now! Put that kettle down, your coffee will go cold anyway, JUST WATCH THIS!!!" - And I know he'll thank me for my obstinate insistence. Thirst will mean nothing, the 'bathroom'? You'll learn to hang on, hunger? It won't occur. Very rarely will you encounter such a masterful telling of a story, trust me - yet don't allow anything to distract you, and when you think "the subtitles aren't working", you're not meant to understand.....it's from the main character's perspective and they don't speak Arabic either, a clever touch that you'll learn to get. Monsieur Villenueve, if I ever win the lottery and write the script that's in my head - YOU will direct it after rewriting it. I'll pay you anything and give you free reign - pure Dogme with subtleties of touch and inflection that very few of us will ever have but can only dream of thinking once in our lives. IF THE Oscars WEREN'T SO 'EXCLUSIVELY ANGLO' AND INCLUDED FOREIGN FILMS FOR BEST PICTURE ETC - THIS WOULD HAVE WON A HALF A DOZEN. Bravo, again, Msr Villenueve, BRAVO!!!!! Wajdi Mouawad - you gave us this play from your heart - I hope it's not you're own life story - if so......go with God, peace brother.