Static, tense, and almost unflinching, "Ten Hundred Kings," is a poignant rumination on loss and loneliness. It's main characters, a blind woman and her sighted husband, are portrayed perfectly. The film exposes so much to us by subtle and purposeful exposition and character development that it's web, which is so perfectly cast, continues to slowly draw us in.

Evoking shades of Bergman, the film may move a bit slow for the unadventurous. But those of us who enjoy true dramatic sculpture in film form will have many rewards here. It's seeming icy demeanor and distant storytelling allow us to watch objectively, to digest the story slowly and to comprehend it's deeper meaning as it unravels for us.

The impetus for this style seems obvious; The film is about a blind woman. Her need to be aided and to be trustworthy of others is paramount to the story that is told here. The film can't be told as "realistic" in style because the realism of a blind person is surely different, in some ways, than that of a "sighted" person. At dramatic and interesting moments in the film, the filmmaker here shows us these subtle differences in the woman's world compared to our own. For example, in an early scene, the woman comes out of the shower and speaks to her husband; she has a towel around her but is topless, exposed. This works for many reasons: It exposes her vulnerabilities, it points out how her perception of appearance may be different than that of a sighted person, but it also exposes what is surely a natural incident in a married couples home. Here, it shocks us for a moment because, briefly, we think the filmmaker's intent appears to perhaps be lurid. After our initial flinch, the true motivations begin to seep into our consciousness. We rationalize the information. This film treats it audience as if they are intelligent.

Although there are a few minor plot points that work less successfully than we would like at times, the film works hard to tell it's complex story to us. It cannot help but eventually win us over. The emotion that comes from the film seeps in, almost invades the hard facade these characters set themselves within. And, finally, cracks begin to show. Cracks of change, and strength and human feelings.

This is a film of great storytelling and great strength. It's characters have a veneer in place that only time and tribulations can begin to break through. It takes a willing and patient viewer to explore the story with the characters but those who have the desire to do so, will find a film that has a real heart and a real spirit. This film is one of those marvellous gems. Don't let it elude you.

Notes:

Written, produced and directed by D.W. Maze.

With Elizabeth Marvel, Bill Camp, Lynn Cohen and Adam LaFevre.

More of Lodger's reviews indexed alphabetically! Just click your favorite letter to go there.

a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s t u v w x y z

HOME

In Association with:

Posters From!

Get your Movies

Please Visit