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| Movie Review: House of Sand Alternate Title: Lost and Found
Story: This haunting visual
tale finds a family in 1910 relocating to the inhospitable Maranhao
region in Northern Brazil. The region holds lots of sand, sun and the
promise of a hard life. The patriarch of the family dragged his young,
pregnant wife and her mother, who clearly did not want to relocate to
this uninviting spot. Fast forward and we find the two women alone,
fending for themselves, against all odds. How they cope, who they meet and what becomes
of them over the course of the next 60 years develops before our eyes.
The actresses, as they age change roles and it is a remarkable filmmaking
twist and treat. Director Andrucha Waddinton from a
script by Elena Soarez dazzles us and we invest in
these two women and the people they meet in their lifelong struggle.
And we certainly do care about them. This film takes a bit of patience to watch. It
evolves slowly but is well worth your time and indulgence. I am still
thinking about these remarkable women and the land they conquered. Acting: Extraordinary performances by real life mother
and daughter Fernanda Montenegro (Central Station)
and Fernanda Torres.
Predilection: None
Critters: Donkeys, fish and birds
Food: Fish
Visual Art: The luminous cinematography by Ricardo
Della Rosa is almost too much for the eye to take in. It reminded
me at times of the expansive landscape in Lawrence of Arabia.
Theater Audience: Surprisingly crowded.
Weather: Hot and dry most of the times with occasional
downpours.
Sappy Factor: 0
Quirky Meter: 2
Squirm Scale: 0
Drift Factor: I was hypnotized through the entire
film.
Predictability Level: Moderate
Tissue Usage: 0
Oscar Worthy: Yes
Big Screen or Rental: I am not sure you will find
this film i your local cineplex. It should be seen on the big screen
for the visual effects.
Length: Under two hours.
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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