A Peck on the Cheek- A great Film
Diana Rohini LaVigne | San Francisco, CA USA | 07/28/2007
(4 out of 5 stars)
"Title: A Peck on the Cheek
Directed By: Mani Ratnam
Presented by: Film Movement (www.filmmovement.com)
Format: DVD
Touching, heart wrenching and realistic... Director Mani Ratnam uses his extraordinary cinematic talents to show the life of an orphan who is adopted by adoring parents. On her 9th birthday when told the truth about her, the young girl Amudha is unable to hide her feelings of being deserted as a baby and longs to hold her biological mother in her arms. Her parents are supportive however unsure of how to handle their daughter's growing needs to feel connected. The young girl's determination becomes a journey for her parents as well and leads them into the conflict ridden country of Sri Lanka.
Under constant threat of terrorist attacks and being caught in the many battles between guerilla warriors and the army, the father, mother and daughter travel to great lengths to make the reunion a reality.
The dramatic settings, the thoughtful story line and the remarkable acting by each of the lead actors makes it so easy to understand why this film is winning awards at film festivals around the world. Ratnam shows the harshest side of conflict and doesn't shy from placing the tough topics like a child's first sight of people dying in the foreground.
It's a serious film but ropes in small personal moments that make the audience laugh and chuckle with the actors on screen. It is a must-see film and covers a subject that the world should know more about; the struggles of Sri Lanka. A family film, an educational film and a film for those interested in human rights and those who still breath in hope that one day, peace will conquer the world, not war.
"
An Undiscover Gem
S. Joseph | 12/28/2007
(5 out of 5 stars)
"I can't believe that it took me this long to find out about this movie. It is a refreshing look at some of the emotional difficulties that a child can go through when adopted. The child actress was wonderful and the story was very touching. I would recommend everyone give this movie a chance it is well worth. Tamil movies are moving on up. I hope more movies like this are discovered."