Review of Ararat (2002) by Rachael M — 19 Jun 2007

The film spreads itself wide, with far too many subplots. and because of this, it takes a while to get into. but it continuously builds and becomes a very strong and imposing film by the 90-minute mark. and then it doesn't really carry that intensity through to the end...

So maybe the film isn't amazing throughout, and maybe the script is too complex for 115 minutes. but it sure has its moments of brilliance. sometimes those moments last for several minutes straight.

And I loved the idea behind the script. it never treats history like a showcase to be gawked at. rather, it dares to be selfish and have its characters ask "how does this history affect my life?". it's about searching for personal identity - and on that front, it's very effective.