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Reviews
The Journey (2002)
Worth Watching -- A Heroic Attempt, Though Disappointing
"The Journey" is a brave attempt by industry outsiders, people with limited experience in film-making. They had a vision and against innumerable odds they made the movie. Because of low budget the director is also writer/producer/editor. That is too many extra hats to wear for a first time director. And clearly, he cannot handle it. The movie was made, but because of such restrictions, "The Journey" is not the best it could have been.
Unfortunately, I found the script to be very disappointing. The dialogue is bland and quite uninteresting. The characters deliver one trite musing after another. It is as if they say things simply to have them said. (I used to do something similar in my essays, when I'd have an idea and would just insert it somewhere, anywhere in the essay). Every scene has the same (low) emotional impact. The movie is almost episodic. Eve's "journey" seems to be very linear. Obviously, the writers are clueless about what originality means. They needed to develop the STORY and let the viewers make the appropriate conclusions, and not have the characters utter their premature conclusions for us.
Having said this, I think it is well worth watching "The Journey." The perseverance of the filmmakers is admirable. It is very difficult to make a movie and with limited (!!) resources "The Journey" was made.
Leila (1997)
Very Moving Account of a Happless Woman
"Leila" is one of the most moving films I have ever seen. It is about an Iranian woman (played by Leila Hatami) who cannot have children. Agitated by her mother-in-law she starts pushing her husband to marry a second wife (which is allowed in Iran). The ensuing drama is captivating as we watch Leila and her husband in their painful journey.
"Leila", though, is not light-weight entertainment. For many Westerners with short attention spans it might even seem dull and boring. The scenes are not filled with gimmicks and cheap tricks. The characters do not overact and the music is minimal. Yet for these reasons, the movie succeeds.
There is nothing artificial about it. Every scene is meaningful, filled with poignant imagery and symbolism. It is for those who like film as an art form, not simple entertainment. Leila Hatami's performance is superb. Her character might seem soft-spoken and docile, but she is strong willed and loving. She bears the pain without uttering a word. The director keeps the viewer close enough yet always detached from Leila, reaching the right balance. This detachment makes Hatami's performance even more powerful. The movie's success largely rests on her shoulders.
"Leila" is a powerful film. It has certain humanity that Hollywood blockbusters will never provide. Only intelligent viewers will appreciate the beauty of this film.