Land of the Blind (2006)

Director:

Robert Edwards

Writer (WGA):

Robert Edwards (written by)

Genre:

Drama

Plot:

A soldier recounts his relationship with a famous political prisoner attempting to overthrow their country's authoritarian government.

Cast

Ralph Fiennes	...	Joe
Donald Sutherland	...	Thorne
Tom Hollander	...	Maximilian II
Lara Flynn Boyle	...	First Lady
Marc Warren	...	Pool
Ron Cook	...	Doc
Robert Daws	...	Jones
Laura Fraser	...	Madeleine
Jonathan Hyde	...	Smith
Camilla Rutherford	...	Tania
Don Warrington	...	First Sergeant
Miranda Raison	...	Daisy
Nigel Whitmey	...	Anchorman
Leigh Zimmerman	...	Anchorwoman
Mackenzie Crook	...	Editor

MPAA:

Rated R for violence, language and some sexual content/nudity.

Runtime:

USA:110 min (Cannes Film Festival)

Country:

UK | USA

Language:

English

Colour:

Colour

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital

Certification:

Italy:T | Singapore:M18 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

London, England, UK

Company:

Avnet/Kerner Productions

Trivia:

The film had its World Premiere in competition at the International Film Festival Rotterdam in January 2006.

Quotes:

[first lines]
Anchorwoman: So many fond memories of Maximilian the First on the tenth anniversary of our glorious leader's death.
Anchorman: Many of course doubted that his son and heir, Maximilian II, could live up to the example of his charismatic father. But the man affectionately called Junior has valiantly continued against the pesky rebellion, led by the playwright turned terrorist, John Thorne.
Anchorwoman: Once derided as the playboy Prince more interested in the movie business, the President-for-life announced today that he would not rest until he has rid the country of these criminals whom he called, quote, "Really bad guys". In a gesture of goodwill to the commemorate his father's memory, the President today also commuted the sentences of several men condemned to the gallows today, sending them to the guillotine instead.
[...]

Movie Connections:

References Planet of the Apes (1968)

Political corruption at its finest with two excellent performances

With that said, I must say that 'Land of the Blind' is not for those who get lost in movies easily, or find this subject to be offending or uninteresting. There is not a lot of action, nor are there a huge amount of politically stirring speeches. Think of it sort of like V for Vendetta, except the overthrower is Donald Sutherland, and without all the cool lines, big ka-booms and ninja fight scenes.

Joe (Ralph Fiennes) is a soldier in a prison holding famed terrorist/politician Thorne (Donald Sutherland). As Joe performs his duties, he listens to what the prisoner has to say, becoming affected by it. This is a story of how one man can change the outlook of another by simple words and actions.

The acting in 'Land of the Blind' is superb. Ralph Fiennes lives up to his Oscar nominated expectations by giving a layered, moving, and psychologically deep performance. He really gets you thinking as Joe. He makes the character very interesting, likable, and deep. Donald Sutherland is perfectly cast as Thorne, making him just as intriguing as Joe. His performance is thought generating, powerful, and memorable. Tom Hollander gives a chilling and memorable performance as well, similar to his turn in 'Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest'. He is shaping up to be one of the new up and coming British actors.

Robert Edwards' writing and direction are another strong element of the film, though not as strong as the acting. The writing is simply above average, because the film tends to drag at times and seem boring, but Edwards' direction of the actors makes up for it. His sets are interesting and realistic, and the music is somewhat noticeable in a good way.

Land of the Blind is the second best political thriller of the year, behind the wonderful V for Vendetta. I enjoyed it, mainly because of the awesome performances of Ralph Fiennes and Donald Sutherland (both should be in the mix for an Oscar nod). Robert Edwards gives us a memorable film that you'll remember for some time. At 110 minutes, it is neither too long, nor too short.

7/10 --spy