Looking for something to do on a weekend instead of studying for AP tests? Well watch an indie movie of course. Last night, moved by sheer apathy, I rented "The Trotsky" ondemand under a Tribeca Film Festival category that I didn't even know existed. Thankfully, I was not disappointed. In fact, I give this effort rave reviews. Given audience awards at both the Sofia and Tokyo International Film Festivals, this tale of a renegade youth leading a movement to unionize students at his Montreal High School is both humorous and inspiring. The main character, Leon Bernstein, played by Jay Baruchel, believes he is the reincarnation of Soviet hero Leon Trotsky. Obsessed with his destiny as Trotsky incarnate he even constructs a "destiny board" complete with possible allies and wives. A witty and articulate character, Leon first attempts to lead a strike against his own father's factory. Then, upon entering public school, he takes his principal hostage in an act of defiance.
All in all, I came away from this movie thoroughly amused and inspired by this incredibly life-like teen. Take some communism, a ridiculous number of Che posters and add in a dash of french, what's not to like?
No comments:
Post a Comment