Theeb

More complex than first appearances suggest, replete with a series of unexpected narrative turns. Even without a proper knowledge of its political history, I was still able to immerse myself completely in its vivid yet harsh reality. While it ends on an abrupt note, it doesn't detract from the overall experience.

The story is quite simple and I didn't like the ending, but the cast does a decent job and the cinematography is beautiful.

Representin'

A simple story told with bleak but beautiful scenery and eerily haunting music. Theeb is at the same time a mischievous young boy and an old soul. The deceptively slow pace is effective for showing the extreme isolated conditions, and the force of his determination. Though a young boy, he is not impressed with material gain and loyalty to this family is his paramount motivation. The ending was a bit abrupt, but quite impactful.

'Theeb' makes the most of its actors and setting for a gripping look at a harsh life.

A simple story with a few twists along the way. Beautiful landscape. Worth a look.

Wonderful cinematography and a western like atmosphere that brings out the most of the sparse dialogue and rising tension.

2017/03/25

02.05.2015, Büyülü Fener, 26. Ankara Uluslararası Film Festivali

Slow and quiet for the most part, but I enjoyed seeing a part of the world and its history that I wasn't super familiar with.

Nominated for Best Foreign Language Film of the Year at the 2016 Oscars. There is a admirable simplicity to Theeb (2014) which takes you right there in the middle of the situation this kid find himself. The way that is done is rather impressive, but the film and story as a whole is missing something greater to really make it the Oscar candidate it is.