|
With an explosive, which she has just devised in her bag, she goes to the Ulcom Electronics to
see its top boss Vendice. Not able to pass through the reception, she finds a way, plants the bomb in Vendice's wastebasket and escapes. A cleaning woman empties the office
trash and takes the elevator down. The bomb goes off, killing four people, two of them children. She is arrested, and accused of the crime. She is very devastated upon
learning that her bomb has killed four persons. In the interrogation at police headquarters, the police insist she is a terrorist and questions her along that line. Philippa
(Cate Blanchett) tells a different story. She is an English teacher who has been trying to get police attention but there has been no response. Her school children are heavily
into drugs because of a drug distributor in the vicinity. Even her own husband is victimized. Since no one has come to help, she took matters into her own hands. No one
believes her story except a young policeman designated as guard and her interpreter since she insists on speaking in English. Filippo (Giovanni Ribisi) believes Philippa and
decides to help since things are going bad for her. She has four innocent lives to answer for and one of the police interrogators is in cahoots with the drug lord. He springs
her from detention; but her reason for consenting to it is so that she could kill Vendice. He helps her carry out her intention. What is to happen after this? What are they
going to do?
Heaveninvolves two people
who are on the run from the law, and whose relationship develops as they attempt to elude arrest. Although there are gaps in the story, it is simple and clear enough for the
viewers to feel sympathy for what the couple is going through and how they are feeling. Cate Blanchett and Giovanni Ribisi's acting is subdued and shows the depth of their
emotions; Blanchett has some exceptional acting scenes. In a number of shots the cinematography is able to capture the idyllic beauty of the Italian countryside.
Values clearly shown are Filippo's readiness and willingness to give up everything and cast his lot with
Philippa, whatever the consequences; and the love of a father for his son. A questionable matter is involving a young boy to help a detainee escape. From the moment Philippa
learns of the loss of four innocent lives by her hand—though inadvertently—it is on her conscience all throughout the film. Her plan to kill Vendice the drug lord, though
thwarted once, succeeds the second time with help. Deeper into the story, she also expresses regret to Filippo for killing Vendice. Is Philippa's deep regret and sorrow
sincere enough? Is Filippo's own realization of what he has helped Philippa do, adequate? Will their conscience allow them to be free? Do they really get away? Can they escape
for good? What does the ending in the film imply? One can escape the long hands of the law, but has to reckon with the Final Judgment.
(Date reviewed: January 17, 2003)
|
