This is an extremely powerful, Oscar-nominated, short film (30 minutes long) which works beautifully on a variety of levels. On the surface, it tells a fairly simple story about rural life at the start of the 20th century, but look deeper & it becomes a metaphor about the difference between male & female communication styles. At its deepest level, intended by both the author of the short story & the filmmaker, it becomes a feminist statement about the importance of including women as full participants in public life (in the arts as well as in politics).
Note the title: the film is set in a world in which women can not participate on juries, they can't even vote (yet). So the title itself is a clue to the multiple layers intended.
The filmmaker does an excellent job of visualizing the story but it does require patience -- you have to look carefully at the clues set before you in order to draw your own conclusions. This film will not simply tell you what to think about right & wrong.
Excellent for use in a book club or film club where you can watch together & then discuss. Only the stone-hearted will be ready to leave the room when the credits roll.
Note the title: the film is set in a world in which women can not participate on juries, they can't even vote (yet). So the title itself is a clue to the multiple layers intended.
The filmmaker does an excellent job of visualizing the story but it does require patience -- you have to look carefully at the clues set before you in order to draw your own conclusions. This film will not simply tell you what to think about right & wrong.
Excellent for use in a book club or film club where you can watch together & then discuss. Only the stone-hearted will be ready to leave the room when the credits roll.