Storm by Hans-Christian Schmid
Storm
Directed by Hans-Christian Schmid
Germany & Denmark & Netherlands, 2009
Cornerhouse, 10 April 2010
One of the best political thrillers of recent years, Storm is a fast-paced, visceral ride that manages to be intelligent and moving too.
By focusing on the war trial of a Serbian general, Hans-Christian Schmid (who, as well as directing, co-wrote the film with Bernd Lange) is able to set in motion various competing forces: a prosecutor who wants to achieve justice for the victims of past atrocities; sinister elements in the Serbian republic, perhaps reaching all the way up to the government, who are determined to draw a veil over the past; and the UN diplomats who, likewise, would like to simply ‘move on’ and bring the Serbian republic into the fold of nations.
Some of the dialogue is a mite too expository – its sole purpose seemingly to explain legal procedures to the naïve viewer – but the film is neither preachy nor simplistic. Kerry Fox is terrific as the prosecuting attorney, while Anamaria Marinca as Mira Arendt, a war victim trying to rebuild her past, is rather fine too.
If you are looking for an engaged, committed political film – or a crime drama which pulls no punches and never slackens – Storm is the one to watch.
Explore posts in the same categories: Film reviewTags: Anamaria Marinca, Hans-Christian Schmid, Kerry Fox, political thriller, Storm
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