Review of Adam's Apples (2005) by Jeff B — 26 Feb 2016

This one may have a tendency to sneak up on you. It's a slow burner more than a hot comer. But bottom line, it's a film about human pathos and need for connection. Yes, even the most violent and ill formed must find love for ultimate change. Just ask Ivan the preacher. He's got the touch.

At first appearance, one may feel that Ivan is another gung-ho liberal, lover of all who ignores reality, pretending there is no evil in the world because, well, he's never seen it and is naive as hell. But Ivan is not of that ilk. He only appears to be soft of mind and soft of heart and upbringing. But as the film progresses, you get the feeling that this soft nut not only has a hard shell but center as well. Why? Well, he was raped as a child, lost his wife to suicide, and his son to a debilitating disease, at least mentally. He's worked so hard to ignore these facts that even his tumor can't take his life. It apparently just likes to remind him to stay distracted with a little bleeding from the ear when things get too real so as to stave off ultimate demise. But why? Well, it appears Ivan is on a mission.

The Neo-nazi, Adam (appropriately named) initially takes delight in discovering that Ivan can only survive by ignoring reality and does everything in his power to grind that reality down Ivan's throat. What's a neo-Nazi to do?

Ah, but there's something a foot here. There appears to be a soft center in this lover of killing and hate, for Adam begins to take a shine to Ivan and even becomes protective by film's end, grows hair, and becomes an advocate of all things Ivan, supporting him as only a good brother in faith can.Maybe Adam just respects how tough Ivan is, and how he's not only able to overcome his great challenges but reaches out best he can, bravely, kindly to help others. He's part miracle, part insane savior. And it appears Adam finds these qualities endearing and expanding. Could our killer have found human compassion? Say it isn't so! Ah, Ivan what have you done?

A violent, perverse love story. Certainly, one of a kind. A must view.