Violet

Do not operate heavy machinery within twelve hours of watching this film. The problem is not that the movie has a slow pace; I like slow-paced movies. The problem is that the movie eschews pace entirely. Perhaps in artistic terms, I could guess that viewers are being drawn into the untimed, random events of life after trauma; like the protagonist, we are challenged to build meaning while staring pointlessly because essential points are not being handed to us. But in terms of the real audience experience, this just feels like showing off; the writer/director is very much the star, and little empathy for the viewer is demonstrated in the pursuit of really cool shots. Indeed, many somewhat impressive elements are included, but the film fails at story telling. I cannot recommend that anyone watch this film, with one possible exception. I sincerely think this film could be used in HS sophomore English classes to discuss the nature and use of symbolism. Nothing particularly provocative or offensive occurs, and the characters and situations are formless enough to act like Rorschach cards. I think young people would like the actors and find some resonance with the minutiae in the scenes. I can imagine typically quiet kids speaking up to guess at what characters are thinking/feeling and the teacher then having the opening to explore how symbolic elements could have inspired such guesses

One of the most beautifully shot films to be released in the US this year. The filmmaker really knows how to capture the emotional turmoil of a young man dealing with grief without an outlet. The final sequence is impressive visually but also on a thematic level. This is a fantastic debut that takes its time with every sequence. Highly recommended film. Very happy its getting a physical release in the US.

Couldnt even get half way through. This movie is very boring and goes no where. 1/2 star

This was awful and not worth watching. It is slower moving than molasses. I didnt realize it was a foreign film with sub-titles. A total waste of money renting this one. Oh well....

ONE OF THOSE INSTANCES WHERE YOU BOTH HOPE AND ANTICIPATE SOMETHING WILL HAPPEN....BUT....IT NEVER DOES....

A teenager witnesses his friend get stabbed and die at the shopping mall. The movie is about the aftermath and how he deals with his grief. I could see a movie critic rating this movie well. Its artfully done, different, and theres something to be said for showing moments of grief, stillness, emptiness, versus explaining them. However, I am going to venture here that the average movie goer will find the pacing on this movie way too slow. Im all for capturing a poignant moment and a powerful facial expression, something of that sort. But here the camera frequently lingers for a full endless minute on an image of a chair, or a pair of sneakers. Its not evident what the viewers take away is supposed to be, if anything. Sadness I guess? To my thinking, the movie has its moments, but overall the pacing is just too slow. It ends up being boring and not as impactful for the average person as the director might have expected.

Brilliant picture - deeply affecting

The storyline is that a teen witnesses his friends death and what happens after. Well, what happens after is a big old nothing burger. Barely any talking in the film, long boring silent drawn out scenes staring at people or just around the street for no reason, loud music at one point, scenes you end up fast forwarding through~but dont worry because you wont miss any dialog! Go back to the drawing board with this one...

A artistic film dealing with a 15 year old boy grieving for his murdered friend; a murder he witnessed. This film is not for everyone. I enjoyed it and applaud the producers of this movie. The young boy was perfect for the part.

The cinematography and directing is outstanding. This film is more a work of art than a film one watches for a story full of twists and turns. Really worth seeing.