In a dramatic atmosphere, this movie, revolves around an old man, who after 10 years of the mysterious attack of Tsunami on a small elementary school that leads to the death of all students inside, the thing that tears the town apart, builds a structure in the remains of the school.
Julio Quintana turns his camera into an omniscient eye, while raising exciting questions about the distance between tragedy and miracle. [Full review in Spanish]
The Vessel is a gorgeously lensed parable. It's just that its messages and symbolism are so heavy-handed, so laden with biblical meaning, they're never left to work their own miracles.
Even with Martin Sheen's impressive Chris Cringle facial hair, The Vessel annoys and irritates more than anything else. The film may be alluring to look at, but it's absolutely torturous to endure and practically unbearable to watch.
This muted, moving small-scale tale of sorrow and faith will strike a chord with both the churchgoing crowd and aficionados of Malick's contemplative, theologically predisposed cinema.
