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Reviews
Ahasin Wetei (2009)
Stunning film from Sri Lanka.
Garnering top kudos from "Variety" and "Screen Daily" for its directing, cinematography and music, "Between Two Worlds" (Ahasin Wetei) is this years most enigmatic vision from one of the worlds top new auteur's. Vimuthki Jayasundara is truly an artiste, his film language is highly complex and dramatically potent, a combination seen only in the very best of directors. The film contains multiple levels of cerebral engagement and hidden meanings. A thorough study of Sri Lankan history/mythology may not be enough to crack Jayasundara's many tongue-in-cheek references to modern day politics of Sri Lanka.
What is crystal clear, is Jayasundara's subtly veiled, almost apocalyptic vision of what could befall his country, if her people don't wake up and start asking questions. The Venice premier of the film was a breathtaking experience for most present.
Akasa Kusum (2008)
A film of bitter sweet memories.
Having seen all of Prassana Vithanege's films, Akasa Kusum, or Flowers in the Sky, is a distinct departure from his usual narrative style. In Akasa, Vithanega shuns the political slant he has taken in almost all his previous creations, and goes for more of the social aspects of the entertainment industry in Colombo. The film deals with the sordid underbelly of Colombo nightlife and the fickleness of the TV industry, namely the very popular teledrama scene. Both of which Vithanege paints in a very negative light. There are allot of tongue-in-cheek digs at the tele industry that would have caused quite a stir in the small screen world in SL.
Acting by the great legend Malini Fonseca is superb. You never can tell when she is acting, or actually living her past, her skills are so good. Nimmi Harasgama was also quite good, some accused her of over acting, and some said the opposite. But overall, she was intense.
The photography and music score were done by the famous M.D. Mahindapala, and the music score by Lakshman Joseph De Saram. Both fit the film perfectly adding beauty and atmosphere.