Review of Zelary (2003) by Yeri K — 23 Jul 2009

This starts out as the story of Hana/Eliska. At first her exile into the remote Zelary seems like a nightmare. But she gradually discovers the virtues of this tiny village, as well as the simple, honest man that has brought her there.

And as the film develops, it becomes less about her and more about the village as a whole. The characters in this film all feel really genuine and charming. When they laughed, I found myself laughing along with them, as if I were there.

The performances, the dialogue and excellent cinematography come together to create individuals who all feel very real and natural. It does drag on a good deal more than it probably needed to, but this movie isn't really about partaking of the story so much as enjoying the company of its setting and the people in it.

So a little rambling is forgivable. Definitely worth seeing and enjoying, but not something to sit down to lightly.