I didn't get this movie. Obviously it had some sort of meaning, but all I got out of it was the typical artsy movie existentialism of "life is grim , woe is us" which is perhaps the most overdone film device in film history, and if it isn't, it's definitely in the top five.
The problem with this film is that we never get to know any of the characters or understand their motivations beyond what is etched out for us on the screen because the dialog is so minimal and the acting so subdued. The plot follows a young roofer who, after his latest customer drops dead of a drug overdose depriving the roofer of his payment for the roofing job, decides to steal a letter from the recently deceased customer which supposedly offers a well-paying job. The roofer follows the instructions in the letter and quickly finds himself in a situation over his head and beyond his control. I don't want to spoil the surprise, so all I'll say is that the situation the protagonist becomes involved in is an extreme test of body, mind and spirit.
The acting was fine, the cinematography was great, the story was compelling, and the minimalistic dialog was suitable, but the sum of the parts is lacking. At the conclusion, I wondered why this movie was made because, although it was entertaining, it wasn't that entertaining, and although it may have made some points about life, death and relationships, the themes weren't that significant. All in all, I can't say that there is any reason to watch this movie unless you like existentialist Fench movies shot in black and white. Otherwise, you're far better off with Pirates of the Caribbean or similarly-themed motion pictures.
The problem with this film is that we never get to know any of the characters or understand their motivations beyond what is etched out for us on the screen because the dialog is so minimal and the acting so subdued. The plot follows a young roofer who, after his latest customer drops dead of a drug overdose depriving the roofer of his payment for the roofing job, decides to steal a letter from the recently deceased customer which supposedly offers a well-paying job. The roofer follows the instructions in the letter and quickly finds himself in a situation over his head and beyond his control. I don't want to spoil the surprise, so all I'll say is that the situation the protagonist becomes involved in is an extreme test of body, mind and spirit.
The acting was fine, the cinematography was great, the story was compelling, and the minimalistic dialog was suitable, but the sum of the parts is lacking. At the conclusion, I wondered why this movie was made because, although it was entertaining, it wasn't that entertaining, and although it may have made some points about life, death and relationships, the themes weren't that significant. All in all, I can't say that there is any reason to watch this movie unless you like existentialist Fench movies shot in black and white. Otherwise, you're far better off with Pirates of the Caribbean or similarly-themed motion pictures.