This could be the story of any person who is stifled in any super-strict religious environment. The acting is very strong and without intimate knowledge of this culture, it had the ring of authenticity to it. This movie comments on morality on different levels. By the light of a legalistic religious teaching; contrasting Goodness and pretended Piety; good outcomes with Sin as a vehicle; and the sin of losing human compassion in pursuit of saintliness.
The pacing in this film defeats its message, unfortunately. It wallows in the claustrophobia of the life that sends the main character, Sonia, on her journey of self discovery for about 10 minutes past interesting. It seems as though all of the people advising Sonia have weird observations that are ultimately not as wise as her own counsel. This triumph of finding her own way is muddied in the process of finding closure to every sub-plot in the story. (And may God deliver me from homeless characters with "magical powers"!)
Ultimately, it seems to say that Goodness cannot be achieved unless you are free to choose it. And that God has given us individual passions and talent in order to lead fulfilled lives with one another.(God is somewhat treated as "the problem" in this film. Or is it His adherents?) It would be tempting to re-edit this to see if the story can be revealed at a cleaner tempo. Overall, a good movie that stays with you for a few days, but don't look for a Hollywood ending.
The pacing in this film defeats its message, unfortunately. It wallows in the claustrophobia of the life that sends the main character, Sonia, on her journey of self discovery for about 10 minutes past interesting. It seems as though all of the people advising Sonia have weird observations that are ultimately not as wise as her own counsel. This triumph of finding her own way is muddied in the process of finding closure to every sub-plot in the story. (And may God deliver me from homeless characters with "magical powers"!)
Ultimately, it seems to say that Goodness cannot be achieved unless you are free to choose it. And that God has given us individual passions and talent in order to lead fulfilled lives with one another.(God is somewhat treated as "the problem" in this film. Or is it His adherents?) It would be tempting to re-edit this to see if the story can be revealed at a cleaner tempo. Overall, a good movie that stays with you for a few days, but don't look for a Hollywood ending.