Outstanding drama
LGwriter | Astoria, N.Y. United States | 08/21/2004
(5 out of 5 stars)
"Set in present-day South Africa, The Quarry is a powerful drama of crime and redemption--or more accurately, an attempt at redemption. A fugitive, played by Irish actor John Lynch, accosts a minister for help and when the minister becomes a bit too friendly, the fugitive does away with him.
Taking the traveling minister's place in a small South African town, the fugitive leads the town's congregation in prayer, all the while harboring his secret which, as it turns out, is not a secret for long. The title refers to the place where several secrets lie buried and ties the film together quite well.
While all the actors are fine, John Lynch as the fugitive is more than compelling--he is brilliant. It's safe to say that he does not carry the film, whose script is based on a novel by a South African writer and is very well crafted, but he does make the film a truly memorable one. Additionally, the filmmaker, Marion Hansel, has done a superb job directing; you can see he takes a minimal approach which is exactly what is needed here. The feel and tone of modern day South Africa is captured perfectly.
This is an outstanding film and a more than worthy addition to your international film colection."