This film could have been so much more. The lead characters are both superb actors, the gritty backdrop of Bradford is ideal and the challenge of inter racial relationships is extremely relevant in today's world.
I was hoping for something along the lines of "Secrets and Lies" (which incidentally featured an outstanding performance by Claire Rushbrook) but Ali and Ava was let down by poor cinematography, inaudible dialogue and implausible story telling.
Let's deal with the cinematography first. The camera was far too invasive. Lots of ultra close ups of eyes, cheeks, noses. And the camera is constantly moving. Haven't they got any tripods on the set?
Next, sound. I watched it with subtitles and it was invaluable if the dialogue was to be understood. So much mumbling and slurred speech. Really frustrating.
Finally, plot. Here just some of the questions I was left with... 1: why would the kids randomly stone a passing car? Was it because Ali was driving it?
2: why would Ali pile all these kids into his car and take them for a ride? Very dodgy behaviour in today's world.
3. Why was Ali waiting outside Ava's house with his headphones on?
4: why did fireworks feature on three separate occasions? Was it Bonfire Night over and over again?
5: where did they go on the train? We got one brief shot on a hill and another in some random bedroom.
6: why did Ali take Ava under a bridge at a station when they could have just gone home?
7: why did Ali's wife feel attracted to him then leave then next morning?
So, in summary, very disappointing. I've always loved kitchen sink dramas over the years and directors like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh really know to put them on screen.
Ali and Ava could have been a landmark film, but it simply did not deliver. Pity.
I was hoping for something along the lines of "Secrets and Lies" (which incidentally featured an outstanding performance by Claire Rushbrook) but Ali and Ava was let down by poor cinematography, inaudible dialogue and implausible story telling.
Let's deal with the cinematography first. The camera was far too invasive. Lots of ultra close ups of eyes, cheeks, noses. And the camera is constantly moving. Haven't they got any tripods on the set?
Next, sound. I watched it with subtitles and it was invaluable if the dialogue was to be understood. So much mumbling and slurred speech. Really frustrating.
Finally, plot. Here just some of the questions I was left with... 1: why would the kids randomly stone a passing car? Was it because Ali was driving it?
2: why would Ali pile all these kids into his car and take them for a ride? Very dodgy behaviour in today's world.
3. Why was Ali waiting outside Ava's house with his headphones on?
4: why did fireworks feature on three separate occasions? Was it Bonfire Night over and over again?
5: where did they go on the train? We got one brief shot on a hill and another in some random bedroom.
6: why did Ali take Ava under a bridge at a station when they could have just gone home?
7: why did Ali's wife feel attracted to him then leave then next morning?
So, in summary, very disappointing. I've always loved kitchen sink dramas over the years and directors like Ken Loach and Mike Leigh really know to put them on screen.
Ali and Ava could have been a landmark film, but it simply did not deliver. Pity.