Belgium | 2021 | 72’ | Laura Wandel | Foreign language | Maya Vanderbeque, Günter Duret, Karim Leklou
Anxious seven-year-old Nora must go back to school despite longing to stay with her dad. But although Nora’s the one who purportedly needs looking after, she soon becomes responsible for her older brother, Abel, who’s being bullied by the other children. Nora is in a quandary. Should she tell the adults or remain silent in solidarity with her brother? And if she tells the adults, will they help, and what will be the consequences? A sensitive and empathetic look at the politics of the playground, with brilliantly naturalistic performances from the young cast that immerse you intimately in the lives of the children. Shortlisted for the Academy Award for Best International Film.
“Fashioned out of fresh faces unable to lie to the camera, “Playground” is a study in human behavior wrapped in equal parts fear and curiosity.” Carlos Aguilar, Ebert Voices
French with English subtitles
