Review of Filth and Wisdom (2008) by Xergio G — 05 Dec 2008

As A. K. (played by charismatic Eugene Hutz, from Gypsy punk band Gogol Bordello) says in the film, in one of his 'philosophical' reflections, either you end up in filth or wisdom (after filth you'll yearn for wisdom and vice-versa), the result is the same.

You need darkness to appreciate the lights and vice-versa... However Madonna's first film doesn't really take us through a filthy wayâ?¦ it is rather a light comedy about three people who try to fulfill their dreams and survive in life's jungle.

Of course Madonna's big ego and thirst for being taken seriously are omnipresent and despite some more or less superficial affirmations, the film (which seems deliberately filmed like a low budget independent film), works out in the end and keeps you interested.

As Manohla DARGIS wrote in the NYT, "Madonna spices up the human ingredients with light bondage and grave affirmations (there's even some marital advice), and while her movie meanders hither and yon, it all works out because life is a giant virgin-whore paradox and filth leads to wisdom and wisdom leads to filth and Gogol Bordello leads to a merry blowout with horn blasts and yelps".

And let's not forget Balkan Beat Box's music too. Recommended.