A boy in abject poverty works in a hotel and becomes obsessed with a swimming pool in the opulent hills of Panjim, Goa, India. His life gets turned upside-down when he attempts to meet the mysterious family who lives at the house.
Smith’s direction builds at a languid pace, but with an acute eye, catching the texture of India at both ends of the social spectrum with a wry humour.
Delivered...with grace, sincerity and charm.
It's a very good film that took a long while to get its UK release, but better late than never.
The talented Smith returns to the social concerns of his earlier documentary, American Movie, to forge a fascinating narrative set in modern-day Indian and full of insights into a class-riven country.
Hopefully Smith will make more movies in this laid-back, poetic style.
Told with real warmth and charm, this is a confidently handled tale boosted by natural, engaging performances from Venkatesh and Jahangir Badshah as his young friend.
It's a subtle, truthful, moving story of class, ambition, friendship and romantic yearning, extremely well acted by a largely non-professional cast.
Makes for fairly compelling viewing.
Glasgow Film Theatre, Glasgow from Tuesday December 18, 2012, until Thursday December 20, 2012. More info: http://www.glasgowfilm.org/theatre/
Edinburgh Filmhouse, Edinburgh from Friday March 1, 2013, until Tuesday March 5, 2013. More info: www.filmhousecinema.com
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