I can only imagine what the award winning book must be like after watching this movie adaptation of it. A powerful yet bleak look at race relations after apartheid ended in South Africa. Professor David Lurie, played by John Malkovich (Dangerous Liaisons, Burn After Reading) was a womanizer. He was brought up on charges for having a sexual relation with a student he gave a false, passing grade to on a test. Without remorse or justification Professor Lurie left his post, his home and traveled to the East Cape to live with his daughter Lucy, played by Jessica Haines (White Wedding, The Lost Future). Adjusting to rural living in the remote area, father and daughter tried to find common connection to each other.  The dynamics quickly changed however when they were brutally attacked and robbed by three black men. Was it a random attack or were they targeted? John Malkovich brought his incredible intensity to the role, able to convey his feelings without speaking. But, his accent was not always present. I found the juxtaposition of beautiful open landscapes with characters weighed down by their own despair to be an interesting mix. Covering such topics as racism and sexism, this was not a feel good type of movie. I found the script left some questions unanswered; so, I will have to read the book to get the full story on what was a fascinating story.

2 2/3 stars — DVD

http://youtu.be/nqvIssZT6cg