The War Zone 1999 | Boys in movies [BiM]

The War Zone (1999)

The War Zone 1999
– 1h 38 min. | Drama, Thriller | 29 January 1999 (USA)

Storyline:

Suddenly, the moody 15-year-old, Tom, and his 18-year-old sister, Jessie, find themselves relocated from the hustle and bustle of urban London to the sullen silence of wind-swept rural Devon, at a little but neat cottage in the middle of nowhere. Dad is caring and kind, and very much in love with mum who has just given birth; however, an accidental glimpse of a disturbing and well-hidden secret in the family will bring Tom face-to-face with shock, denial, and ultimately, rage. What mystery could be so appalling that threatens to bring everyone in the family to their knees?

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated R for sexual content, some involving molestation, and for nudity, language and a scene of violence.

User review:

I was warned so much in advance that I entered the cinema wearing a (virtual) bullet proof vest and was equipped with two packets of Kleenex. As the film ended, I found myself oddly desensitised. I felt like someone punched me in the stomach and I was left out of air, almost hollow.

Roth, following his mate Gary Oldman, has chosen a courageous yet uncommercially viable issue to tackle in his directorial debut. Nevertheless, aided by gifted photographer, Seamus McGarvey, and inspired casting, Roth’s film is a triumph.

The stunning and clever location, the ‘understatedness’/’Englishness’ of the characters, the harrowing soundtrack, the unanswered plot threads, all make for a disturbing, horrifying, and unmissable film experience.

Thumbs up for Tim Roth.

Director: Tim Roth
Writers: Alexander Stuart (novel), Alexander Stuart (screenplay)
Stars: Ray Winstone, Annabelle Apsion, Kate Ashfield
Country: Italy | UK
Language: English
Release Date: 29 January 1999 (USA)
Also Known As: Tim Roth’s The War Zone
Filming Locations: England, UK.

https://www.imdb.com//title/tt0141974/