Review of PVC-1 (2008) by David C — 09 May 2011

Some of it seems a little ridiculous in its artistic camera angles used throughout the whole take (because I do the same thing after holding a camera for a long time - I begin to flip from side to side really slowly - it creates a cool sort of effect; especially since it is all just one shot [that's right, one shot]) which becomes a little tedious - and the acting isn't truly top notch; and some of the build up wasn't really that exciting, yet the final half hour is the some of the most suspenseful bit of film I've ever seen and the ending left me shaking.

The story is tragic to begin with - an innocent family with what appears to be a decent amount of land is attacked by terrorists who want money. The family claims they don't have money - which they really don't - so the terrorists strap a bomb around the mother's neck made from four angular PVC pipes that hold wiring and chemicals within. Basically its a bomb that's going to pack a punch, all on one little old lady.

The film takes place in real time, so it all happens before our eyes (we don't even get a real idea of who any of the characters are - except for a few small attempts to get history, but due to the reality of situation, we never really get to know anyone). It starts with terrorists attacking the home, then attaching the bomb, then the family going to the location to get the bomb removed, and then this and then that and we see every second (though a few seconds are sped up to keep pacing going).

Despite 'artistic' ways to hold a camera (which was obviously preplanned, but it seems like the camera guy got bored and was trying to do something interesting with his time) and a bit of amateurish/slightly rushed acting, this is a perfect movie. It left me, again, literally shaking. Few movies can do that.