Review of London River (2009) by Craig B — 26 Jul 2010
A touching, nicely understated drama about two strangers from hugely different backgrounds united by a common desperation, as they search for their missing children in the aftermath of the 2005 terrorist bombings in London.
Brenda Blethyn is predictably magnificent as Elizabeth, who's travelled from Guernsey to look for her teenage daughter. When French-African Ousmane (Sotigue Kouyate) shows her a photo of her daughter and his son together, Elizabeth is initially suspicius and hostile, but their shared fear for their offspring brings the two anxious parents together.
'London River' could so easily have been preachy, sentimental or both, but it avoids all such traps; it remains fully believable thanks to the great strength of the central performances. Kouyate died recently, and looks frail here; it only adds to to the poignancy of his performance in this fine film.
This review of London River (2009) was written by Craig B on 26 Jul 2010.
London River has generally received positive reviews.
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