The War Zone (1999)
10/10
Should be required viewing...
19 December 2000
im Roth's directorial debut is an absolutely stunning piece of work. Roth, as well as the actors and crew involved in the making of this film, should be commended -- not only for their art, but for bringing such an important subject as this into the light in such a sensitive way. Everything about the film -- the look, the use of music, the adaptation (by Alexander Stuart, from his novel), Roth's direction, and the incredible work of the actors, is first-rate. Especially notable is the work by Lara Belmont and Freddie Cunliffe, the young actors who portray the brother and sister in the film -- I would have never guessed from their performances that this was their first time out.

Many viewers have been caught off-guard by this film -- it's easily one of the most gut-wrenching I've ever seen. One woman I've talked with saw it at the Sundance Festival, without knowing anything about it beforehand, and was totally devastated by it -- but moved to such an extent that she went back to her community determined to do something positive to help survivors.

A film that can touch people on such a deep level should be more widely seen -- especially when it deals with a subject as important as this one.
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