RITA DI SANTO assesses the winners of the most politically charged festival to date
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Film round-up: February 22, 2019
The Star's critics review Capernaum, Fighting With My Family, Old Boys, On the Basis of Sex, and Cold Pursuit
KATARZYNA KOSMALA introduces a retrospective by one of the most significant figures in contemporary US photography
MAYER WAKEFIELD is entertained but let down by an audacious production that, sadly, doesn't ring true
MARY CONWAY is disappointed by drama that, despite accomplished performances, cannot overcome an unfocused script
New releases from Sam Carter, Spell Songs and Les Thomas
Capernaum (15)
Directed by Nadine Labaki
★★★★★
A 12-year-old boy, jailed for a violent stabbing, sues his parents for giving him life and not living up to their parental responsibilities in this powerful and complex Oscar-nominated Lebanese drama about child neglect, abuse and poverty which makes a compelling case as to why some people should never have children.
Through the candid eyes of the charismatic Zain (Zain Al Rafeea who is a Syrian refugee himself) who survives by his resourceful wits and skills, the film also explores the plight of illegal immigrants, racism and the importance of being documented and counted in Lebanon.
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