London Film Festival 2009: Top 10 must-sees (5)
Feature by Rob Carnevale
Film: Lebanon
What’s it about? An account of the first day of Israel’s invasion of Lebanon in 1982, set within the bowels of a lone Israeli tank.
Why so essential? Samuel Maoz’s provocative movie recently won the coveted Golden Lion, the top prize at the Venice Film Festival, and is said to represent a tour-de-force from everyone concerned. Claustrophobic, unflinching and genuinely realistic, the film is said to provide the viewer with a searing, first-hand look at the complexity of modern war. It could relate to any conflict.
Pre-LFF buzz: Lebanon is the boldest and best of the recent mini-wave of Israeli pics (Beaufort, Waltz With Bashir) set during conflicts between the two countries – Variety
Film: Precious
What’s it about? A tough movie about a Harlem teenager who is illiterate, abused and expecting her second child. Clareece ‘Precious’ Jones is an obese and impoverished African American teenager, systematically abused emotionally and physically by her mother and repeatedly raped by her mother’s boyfriend. Pregnant by him for the second time, she is expelled from school, and recommended to attend ‘Each One Teach One’, an alternative education centre where she meets an inspiring teacher.
Why so essential? Precious comes to London after winning the top prize at the Toronto Film Festival, where audiences praised the performances of Mariah Carey and Gabourey Sidibe in her first major screen role. It’s as hard-hitting as they come, and often difficult to watch, but Lee Daniels’ film is a powerhouse in every sense that’s guaranteed to stay with you long after it’s done.
Pre-LFF buzz: Precious is one of the most distinctive films of the year, and one of the most affecting too. – Sandra Hebron, London Film Festival
Next: Back to the beginning