Structure is certainly not the strong suit of writer-director Andrzej Jakimowski's debut feature: a meandering, laidback dramedy shot quite lovingly in the Polish countryside, Squint Your Eyes centers on two people--a good-natured ex-teacher who's taken up residence on a deserted farm as an unofficial caretaker and a former female student who has run away from her parents and insists on staying with him--along with a revolving colorful collection of misfits (a habitual loafer, an obsessive poet, etc.). The sparse narrative centers on the teacher-cum-caretaker's strained relationship with the lawyers representing the landowner and the efforts of the girl's parents to enlist her host's aid in encouraging their daughter to return home. But the picture is really about larger themes--specifically, the power of memory and the need to take charge of one's life and move on--and nice camerawork (the landscape compositions are sometimes quite ravishing). Mildly likable, though lethargically paced, this is an optional purchase. [Note: DVD extras include a director's commentary and a “making-of” featurette. Bottom line: unfortunately, you'll need to know Polish to appreciate the extras, as--unlike the film itself--they're not subtitled.] (F. Swietek)
Squint Your Eyes
Facets, 89 min., in Polish w/English subtitles, not rated, DVD: $29.95 Volume 20, Issue 2
Squint Your Eyes
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