Matylda Swan
It is a whirlwind of delight --- attractive actors, stunning couture, spectacular sets and outrageous parties.
ill_peripherals
this is easily one of the best films i've seen in 2007. beautifully composed, full of thoughtfully chosen, seemingly simple scenes that grow more complex as you think through all you see in this outstanding documentary. to those accustomed to a more direct style of narration (where the omniscient narrator "explains" what you see), the lack of voice-over and the seemingly disjointed cuts between scenes may be a bit jarring and unfamiliar to some viewers. but the sparse style fits the subject perfectly. filmed in kabul over many months, the film offers an amazing and thought-provoking glimpse into everyday life in the afghan capital, putting in focus not just politicians and soldiers, but also the city youth, the university students, the ordinary citizens whose patience, humor, desires, and demands are conveyed with an indirect but moving kindness. kudos to the film-makers for giving us such a terrific movie.