Recent reviews by Fantusha

Wow! First off - I am very impressed.

I stubled across this short film in the store and jumped out of my seat when I noticed the "Free" price tag. Generally this means what I am about to watch is quite a waste of data..but in this case that couldn't be more wrong. Papers, Please as a game has a fantastic cold war-esque vibe and really gives an idea of the conditions and the dilemma a person could be in in the eastern bloc during that time period, and this film really cements that feeling and captures it in the same way.

Whilst unable to be as in depth as the game, the film does show the inspector in that light of just a human coming into work through a picture of his family shown multiple times during the short. The short is going to draw you in and make you wish it was longer during your watch and you will most definitely appreciate how the world is created and expanded upon the game's through use of filming in an external area. For all English speakers (like myself), you will appreciate not only subtitles, but also written English throughout. If you are a fan of WW2 & Cold War documentaries you will be accustomed to the presentation and feel right at home.

The lighting was perfect for the short, showing the subject matter at all times whilst creating the dark around the edges of every frame required for the setting, and this was complimented by the choice of actor for "the Inspector". Whilst I am unfamiliar with the actors, you will see the face of "the Inspector" is heavily chilseled into frame, giving us an impression of what he has seen and had to do for "Arztoska", the fictional country in which the film is set. Similarly the sound design was perfect, with a loud booming soundtrack making you feel like the country / government were always watching - only adding to the Inspector's dilemma of wanting to do right, and this is explored in one scene during the short wherein his morals are truly challenged and he is torn between his own family and helping a friend.

I simply cannot recommend this film highly enough, with no cost and in the form of the short this has enabled me to have a beyond pleasant lunch time and I will be personally showing this short to my own family and friends. Give it a try!