Besieged

Starring: Thandie Newton and David Thewlis. 93 min., R

All true film lovers cherish a story of two people from two very different worlds defying the odds and falling in love. It seems to give us almost a false sense of hope that no matter what, one day we will find our true love and that they could be anyone, anywhere. Besieged is the truest example of all described above. Never has there been such a story of true love against all odds.

The film follows the story of two very different people. Jason Kinsky, (Thewlis) an upper class, art loving, piano playing Englishman living in Rome but living for and in himself and Shandurai, (Newton) his black, African beat loving servant. Through their dumbwaiter relationship, we discover that Shandurai's husband is a political prisoner in her homeland and also that she is only working there to pay her way through to obtain a medical degree. The two loners, as anticipated fall in love despite the barriers between them (one or two floors to be exact).

The two characters go through their changes so slowly the viewer barely notices. However, by the end, the characters barely resemble their original selves. Jason has whole heartedly allowed Shandurai into his life and Shandurai in return softens her image in life and love.

Unfortunetly the producers of this film decided to release this fil the same week as Star Wars, and therefore it will probably go unnoticed, which is one of the greatest of cinema. Great films like this go unnoticed while laser light shows like Star Wars bring in a billion dollars. If you need reassurance of true love or just want a film with great characters, please skip Star Wars and see Beseiged. Rating: A

Don't agree with my review, e-mail me at [email protected].

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