A very nicely developed little story about emigration and the search for self-improvement, always confronted with obstacles - in this case initial failure to follow your chosen line, instead forced to do a thankless job to pay the bills. Meanwhile, home and the people you've left behind - and the 'saudades' you feel for them - keep pulling on you to go back.
The film will chime especially with the Portuguese, who have been doing this en masse for generations. In fact, emigration from Portugal, especially among skilled workers, has spiked in recent years due to the crisis ... and crass encouragement from a centre-right Prime Minister. Which makes 'Swallows' particularly topical.
The film is well put together by Sofia Bost, and Tian Tsering's cinematography is top notch. In the main role, Teresa Tavares does a very good job of showing the frustrations and doubts inherent in taking the step. Is it worth it, after all?
The film will chime especially with the Portuguese, who have been doing this en masse for generations. In fact, emigration from Portugal, especially among skilled workers, has spiked in recent years due to the crisis ... and crass encouragement from a centre-right Prime Minister. Which makes 'Swallows' particularly topical.
The film is well put together by Sofia Bost, and Tian Tsering's cinematography is top notch. In the main role, Teresa Tavares does a very good job of showing the frustrations and doubts inherent in taking the step. Is it worth it, after all?
