A 19-year-old is coming out of prison and trying to build a new life but he can't deal with his guilt.
Thoughtfully shot by first-time director Karl Markovics (the lead in the counterfeiters), the only warmth comes from the stiffening cadavers.
As an actor-turned-director film, Markovics bracing debut is up there with Xavier Beauvois' of Gods and Men.
Best known until now for Oscar-winning holocaust drama The Counterfeiters, Karl Markovics flexes his muscles on the other side of the camera with terrific effect. A fine, moving debut for the new writer/director.
The "breathing" of the title becomes a cleverly recurrent motif, and Markovics's script circles around the themes of death and life in thoughtful and elegant ways: it is a well-carpentered screenplay which bears every sign of having been a labour of love, worked on fruitfully over many years.
A beautifully judged, small-scale human drama that lingers in the memory long after some of those rowdy, big-budget blockbusters have faded.
A story that could have been bleak or full of clichéd philosophising on the meaning of life is, in Markovics’ hands, a captivating and tender human drama.
An affecting, unsentimental film with a strong central performance from Thomas Schubert.
Low-key, sombre, and slightly more lively than the coffins.
A deeply moving, well-observed study of a young life broken before it had even begun.
Karl Markovics
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday May 4, 2012, until Thursday May 10, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
Dundee Contemporary Arts, Dundee from Friday May 4, 2012, until Thursday May 10, 2012. More info: www.dca.org.uk
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Friday May 11, 2012, until Thursday May 17, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/