jeanpavit Reviews

Elshera (2004)

Astoundingly Intense !

[10/10 · 14 December 2006]

Against the backdrop of welfare scams, exploitation and abuse, two women immigrants from different cultures help each other to find redemption. Shot on location in the North of England and Turkey - this powerful film tells the tragic story of Elshera (Melisa Collier) and her struggle to get away from her evil brother in law Mustafa (Mem Ferda). A womaniser forcing desperate women into a life of prostitution. Mem Ferda's portrayal of this monstrous character is hard and gritty and all too real. A monumental achievement from director Damian Wood. The film was nominated and chosen as best Uk feature at the Palm Springs Film Festival 2004.

Watch it with the light on !

Hide & Seek (2004)

A gem of a film !

[10/10 · 14 December 2006]

This beautiful film directed by Nicholas Demetrious is a little gem. Superbly acted by Mem Ferda and Alix Longman. A roller-coaster of emotion. A lady enclosed within the confines of her room as a result of a harsh totalitarian regime looming over her world. Fully immersed in her fantasy of escape she develops a warm connection with handsome George (Mem Ferda) and his son Steven (Ben Brown), who live on the other side of that wall. They start to communicate secretly through a vent in this wall. As the physical limitations of their relationship become ever the more imposing. Elaine's (Alix Longman)own fantasy tales grow in detail. ultimately adding to this desire to destroy the wall that separates them. Mem is Memorable, powerful and a great force of emotion. Alix is driven and compassionate and Ben is a delight.

...... A sin to miss it. Excellent.