Heaven

This 2002 Italian film written by Krzysztof Kieslowski and directed by Tom Tykwer was a slow, cinematic show, with thoughtful and long transitions and very little dialogue. I would admit early that it wasn't my favourite of films. Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi however did a grand job at delivering what it is like to be on the brink emotionally after realizing that their freedom is lost and they are wanted fugitives.

The title is what ultimately attracted me to watch the film; and it is funny how the titles that tend to be more simplistic and un-interesting at times, tend to be the ones that are truly the delight for audiences and award nominations. Heaven, had a unique opening scene of the screen depicting a person practicing in a helicopter flight simulator, where the conversation in the background went:

"In a real helicopter you can't just keep flying higher."

"How high can I fly?"

There were several instances throughout the film where the filmmakers hinted on the height of heaven, as in the scene of the 2 girls and their father going up in the elevator, and the young girl exclaims, "It's so high Daddy, too high!"It makes the viewers wonder, how high is too high, and therefore, how high does one have to go to reach to heaven, or in Philippa played by Cate Blanchett and Filippo played by Giovanni Rbisi's case, how high to reach freedom, from a world of injustice and little truth.

Cate is certainly one of those actresses aspiring actors can respect and admire, as we see her here speaking Italian well, even though she is English, as well as having the guts to shave her head bald during this film. My desired scene would be the naked silhouettes embracing under the massive tree; it was really quite lovely. I also enjoyed the slow, hypnotic lullaby-type classical music by Arvo Part. I do believe I'll add him to my collection of classical geniuses. It was a delicate film about love, strength and standing up for what you believe in, the camera work was remarkable and the acting although mostly nodding and stares, were full of intent and determination.

It ended aptly with our lead actors stealing and escaping with a helicopter, that…well…disappears into heaven J