Jeanskynebu
the audience applauded
Tobias Burrows
It's easily one of the freshest, sharpest and most enjoyable films of this year.
Guillelmina
The film's masterful storytelling did its job. The message was clear. No need to overdo.
Spikeopath
Written and directed by Hadi Hajaig, Puritan stars Nick Moran, Georgina Rylance, Pete Hodge, David Soul and Ralph Brown. Music is by Simon Lambros and cinematography is by Peter Ellmore.Simon Puritan (Moran) is a medium in the East End of London. Tormented by the bad cards life has dealt him, he's become a alcoholic and battles with migraine headaches. When his latest client introduces him to Ann Bridges (Rylance), it spins his life onto another plane.Low on budget it may be, but Hadi Hajaig's movie has style and atmosphere to burn. Though set in modern London, Hajaig pitches Simon Puritan into a Gothic flavoured world. It's world where the spectres of Jack the Ripper and Aleister Crowley dwell, where architecture is by Nicholas Hawksmoore. Then the director fills this eerie backdrop with shadows and filtered light, enhancing the blood reds and the deathly blacks for maximum impact. There's the distinct whiff of the supernatural as Puritan finds himself in classic film noir territory.The plot is deliberately labyrinthine as intriguing characters wander in to further cloud Puritan's perception. Some of the means and motives of the main players are at first glance murky, but as the makers blend genres, as Simon tries to crawl out from what is now a vortex of crime and dishonesty, it pieces together with a devilish glint in its eye. Ambiguities are one of the film's strengths, they drag us the viewers into Simon's confused state of mind, whilst simultaneously keeping us hooked into this most interesting and visually stunning picture.Performances are only OK and the sound mix is sadly poor at times, but I'm convinced this would be better known and rated if more fans of noir could see it. 8/10
LoGirl
Hello all!I read about this film in Time Out, where it got a good review so decided to check it out for myself.I like to seek out films that aren't publicised that much, as in the past they are the ones that have inspired me most, as I am an independent film maker myself, and not that interested in the overall British film industry.It was totally worth it as Puritan is a very classy venture that has been fully realised in a very mature and precise way.The classic film noir plot line was instantly familiar to me, even though I am not an expert on them, the plot line was quite familiar which was the reason that it kept me on edge, because what I thought would happen never happened, or sometimes it did but not in the way I expected it to happen.The film is very moody and beautiful to view, they really have made the most of a low budget, sometimes the low budget is apparent but it still works and its still very beautifully framed, the use of scarlet red throughout the film was a particular favourite and very eyecatching.It really inspired me to to make my own films, and seeing that it was independantly made, it made me feel that I could accomplish what i want to do in the film industry.
popelady999
When you watch this film you feel its timeless quality in the storytelling. Its classical, simple and immediate.Some scenes are shot in a single take, and the actors run through their lines with a slow ease that is charming to watch. the entire film is lit in a dark and brooding way.I think the cinematographer has done an outstanding job in adding to the storytelling, dealing with imagery in a way that expands and explains the plot line, painting with light and also speaking with light.The actors act with slow and strong assurance, solid performances that create resonance throughout the film.If I can think of a word that can best describe this film it solidity of vision. Puritan is film that is cut above.
LippyGirl
If you are lucky enough to find this movie go and watch it.I viewed it at frightfest and I think the director said it was coming out in November in the q&a after the film was shown.It is classic film making, adult emotions handled in a truly adult way. It recreates the film noirs of the 30's and 40's which I am a huge fan of, but the subject matter is treated with sensitivity and intelligence.The actors say the lines in a relaxed and simple way, lulling you into the plot, which washes over you gently and then has you completely in its thrall by the end of the third act.Its such a pleasure to see a film made this way again, made in way that its not shouting and screaming to grab your attention, but it simply holds you riveted with its finesse.
