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Title: Semi-successful, complex film
Review: This falls down early when we must believe that the young college student whom the professor seduces has no choice in the matter. Perhaps because it was her first film role, we don't quite believe that. However, it is the incident upon which the whole film then revolves, as the professor gets fired, moves to a rural farm and endures a harsh attack on him and his daughter. Uncomfortable scenes of dogs being euthanized are shown. The South African landscape and photography are stunning, and we do see much of why this country is such a conundrum. The new complexities of its social scene are the real underpinnings of the film and the J.M. Coetzee novel upon which it based. The extras provide context and should be watched. A thoughtful film with a few flaws, but watchable, nonetheless. You will not much like the selfish John Malkovich character, but he does a great acting job.
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