Intriguing drama

Rating: 8/10 (18 April 2014)

Intriguing drama, nominated for the Best Foreign Language Film Oscar in 2012.
Hard to get into at first, as it starts very slowly and without a clear direction. This can be quite off-putting, as it looks like it is going to just be 2 hours of drifting.
However, from a point it becomes a very intriguing mystery. Plus, it becomes an exploration of religious intolerance and the effect of civil wars on the civilian population. No punches pulled, the war scenes are searing and graphic.
The conclusion is quite incredible in terms of unexpected, perverse twists.
Not perfect though. As already mentioned, the start is slow, and feels padded. More importantly, some parts of the plot, especially towards the end, seem a bit forced and contrived. Not 100% plausible, ultimately.
Still, a great movie. The intrigue just builds and builds.