A drama set at a Swiss ski resort and centered on a boy who supports his sister by stealing from wealthy guests.
Utterly absorbing.
The strong supporting gallery - including Gillian Anderson and Martin Compston - feels underused, but Meier and her ace DoP Agnès Godard make shrewd use of the dramatic alpine locations.
Neither sentimental nor wrist-slittingly glum, Ursula Meier's fresh, affecting study of an unsteady family in society's margins lives up to its festival plaudits.
Writer/director Ursula Meier draws out wonderfully naturalistic performances from her young stars.
Has a healthy seam of mischief to cut through the social commentary.
It is an interesting and well-made movie, though with an uncertain ending.
The relationship between brother and sister is beadily observed and suspenseful, though the film rather drifts in the middle and doesn't quite deliver on its knockout revelation. Klein and Seydoux are excellent as the stalled siblings.
The result is an enigmatic, heartfelt account of a vulnerable young boy’s yearning for a better life.
Ursula Meier's compassionate drama.
It comes over like a subtle short story and is well acted.
A cool, savvy character study and the kids are terrific.
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Friday November 2, 2012, until Thursday November 8, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday November 9, 2012, until Thursday November 15, 2012. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
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