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The Forgiveness of Blood

Release Date 10 Aug 2012 TBA

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  • Currently 3/5 Stars.

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Certificate: TBC

Genre: Drama

The new film from the director of MARIA FULL OF GRACE is a story of family feuds and the honour of a bloodline. Nik is a normal 17-year-old in the last year of high school ready to embark on his first romance and the opening of his own cafe after graduation. But then a local land dispute results in his father being accused of murder, Nik and the male members of his family are forced under house arrest. Nik's sister Rudina has to leave school to take over the family business and whilst she flourishes with her new found responsibility, Nik's resentment at his enforced isolation causes him to try and end the feud even though it may cost him his life.

Cast:
Tristan Halilaj | Sindi Lacej | Refet Abazi | Ilire Vinca Çelaj

Writers:
Joshua Marston | Andamion Murataj

Producers:

Directors:
Joshua Marston

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  • Critic rating
  • Currently 3/5 Stars.

Movies.ie Critic Review

THE FORGIVENESS OF BLOOD (USA/Albania/Denmark/Italy/IFI/109mins)

Directed by Joshua Marston. Starring Tristan Halilaj, Sindi Lacej, Refet Abazi, Zana Hasaj, Ilire Vinca Celaj.

THE PLOT: It’s the rural north of Albania, and although there are police sporting such mod cons as cars and guns, the locals prefer getting around on horses, and dishing out their own justice, based on the 15th-century Balkan code known as the Kanun. So, when a conflict arises between neighbours over a right-of-way, and a death occurs, well, lets just say, there will be blood. Which means a few peculiar life lessons for the younger generation, including teenager Rudina (Lacej) and her brother Nik (Halilaj), their uncle now in prison, and their father in hiding. The former soon embraces the old traditions, whilst the latter is more interested in sneaking out of the house to meet his girlfriend.

THE VERDICT: Californian filmmaker Joshua Marston follows up his acclaimed Columbian drug dealing drama Maria Full Of Grace with a giant geographical leap to an Albanian blood feud, delivering another somewhat traditional tale dressed up with a tint of exoticism. Rudina and Nik might as well be deep south hillbillies here, or Amish with attitude, but Marston and co-screenwriter Andamion Murataj deliver a rich drama that goes beyond mere thrills and Deliverance chills. Winner of the Silver Bear in Berlin. Which is nice. RATING: 3/5

Review by Paul Byrne 

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  • Currently 3/5 Stars.

User Reviews

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    mart

    Director Joshua Marston's sophomore effort shows an intelligence and affinity for an alien landscape, and for decent people pushed into extraordinary circumstances by poverty and traditions beyond their understanding.

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    Onionhead

    We don't see any blood, or much forgiveness either, but we do witness something far more resonant - a young generation caught between the rock of tradition and the hard place of modernity.

    • Currently 3/5 Stars.

    filmbuff2011

    Joshua Marston, the American director of Maria Full Of Grace, has chosen the unfamiliar scenery of Albania as the setting for his latest film. As with Maria Full Of Grace, The Forgiveness Of Blood focuses on teenagers struggling to deal with the adult world of responsibility - and how that impacts their own lives. Nik and his sister Rudina find their family being torn apart when a local blood feud erupts with a neighbouring family in a rural village. Their absent father is in hiding and won't take responsibility for his actions, leading to escalation rather than a solution. Although the plot tends to meander and drift at times, this is a mostly effective film that highlights the huge gulf between parents and their children. It's more of a domestic drama than a thriller, with an ending that feels too abrupt and unresolved. However, The Forgiveness Of Blood is a moderately interesting film that's worth seeking out.

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