Film No. 42 (2014) Ida June 15th.

Film No. 42 (2014) June 15th. 3:00 PM PARADISO Northbridge.

Ida

Ida is a grim film. It deals with grim subject matter. It is shot in black and white to give it a grim look and it left me with grim thoughts as I exited the cinema. And while thoughts of why I'd pay $13 for that experience are valid; I was glad I'd witnessed the plight of Anna (Agata Trzebuchowska), a young noviciate nun in 1960's Poland.

The simplicity with which Pawel Pawikowski shoots this film makes for a "no frills", "no fuss" story dealing with subject matter which requires our attention; subject matter which re-shapes the innocence of Anna as she finally meets her Aunt Wanda (Agata Kulesza)prior to taking her vows. 

Anna insists her Aunt Wanda take her on a journey to uncover her past. During this journey the simple life Anna has led is contrasted against the fractured existence of Wanda and their contrasting character traits  are powerfully portrayed against the stark, Polish landscape. 

It is rare to see scene after scene framed in a way to make us feel what Pawikowski wants us to feel. If his framing is wrong then the risk he has taken has not been worth it. In Ida, no scene is lost on its audience. The question is whether one needs to experience a grim film even if it is well made. I'll leave that for you to decide.   10GUMS