Blind Ambition (12A)
Directed by Robert Coe and Warwick Ross
★★★★

AN INSPIRING and uplifting “underdog story” of how four Zimbabwean refugees, rose to fast become the top sommeliers in South Africa, and then joined forces to form the first black team to take part in the World WineTasting Championships in France.

You cannot help but root for Team Zimbabwe as the cameras follow Joseph, Pardon, Tinashe and Marlvin every step of the way on their quest against all the odds. Particularly when you realise that there is no wine making or wine consumption in their homeland and yet they discovered they had the nose for it.

“It’s like Egypt putting together a team of skiers to go and compete in the Winter Olympics,” says one expert.

Film-makers Robert Coe and Warwick Ross (Red Obsession) deliver a surprisingly humorous yet thrilling and nail-biting documentary as these hard-working, charismatic and unassuming hyper-optimistic guys determined to fly the flag for their nation make history.

Each has a harrowing story to tell on how they fled Zimbabwe and Robert Mugabe’s brutal regime for their dream life in South Africa and how they got more than they bargained for.

Yet they still love their country and as Joseph, the team captain, affirms: “The change won’t come from politicians. We are the change.”

Team Zimbabwe’s optimism is contagious in one of the most joyous and positive films about immigrants to date.

MD

Out in cinemas August 12

Where is Anne Frank (PG)
Directed by Ari Folman
★★★★

THE story of Anne Frank is explored through the eyes of her imaginary friend Kitty, who she wrote to in her diary, in this bold and haunting animated feature written and directed by Ari Folman.

The film follows Kitty (Ruby Stokes) as she wakes up in present-day Amsterdam in Anne's (Emily Carey) former house and believing her friend is still alive embarks on a Europe wide search for her.

She is befriended and aided by Peter (Ralph Prosser) who runs a secret shelter for undocumented refugees.

Kitty is shocked by today’s world and the injustices faced by refugee children as the film draws a comparison with the plight of current immigrant kids with that of Anne Frank and her contemporaries.

It is a thought-provoking and engaging film which will hopefully attract and inform younger viewers.

MD

Out in cinemas August 12

Eiffel (12)
Directed by Martin Bourboulon
★★★

WITH the disclaimer at the beginning: “freely inspired by a true story,” this grandiose love tale set against the backdrop of the construction of the Eiffel Tower in the late 1880s is a distracting fictional one.

Recounted in annoying flashbacks it follows the passionate relationship between the tower’s designer Gustave Eiffel (Romain Duris) — who also designed the interior structural elements of the Statue of Liberty — and Adrienne Bourges (Emma Mackey) who met when he was building a bridge (La Passerelle St-Jean) in Bordeaux (that much is true).

He was 28 and she was 18 and her wealthy parents wouldn’t allow her to marry him as he was a lowly engineer. Years later when he is a respected and renowned figure she enters his life again to spark emotional turmoil (not proven).

The idea that Adrienne was the inspiration for Eiffel’s 300-metre high landmark (shaped like an A) as implied in the film is by all accounts wishful thinking. In fact it was The Latting Observatory in New York City built as part of the 1853 Exhibition of the Industry of All Nations.

Despite fine performances from Duris and Mackey the love story sadly detracts from the more fascinating backstory of the Eiffel Tower itself, the political machinations and the blood, sweat and tears it actually cost to build which should have taken centre stage resulting in a more comprehensive and insightful drama.

MD

Out in cinemas August 12

Between Two Dawns
Directed by Selman Nacar
★★★

TURKISH director Selman Nacar’s debut feature is a powerful study of workplace H&S failings and the lengths individuals will go to protect their positions of power.

When a worker is severely injured at the family business Kadir (Mucahit Kocak) is sent by his father (Unal Silver) and brother (Bedir Bedir) to the hospital to persuade the man's wife (Nezaket Erden) to sign away his rights by admitting he was at fault for not wearing protective gear and drinking on the job.

As the day and night progress and Kadir learns the truth about the circumstances of the accident and resulting injury he is faced with a moral dilemma as he realises he is going to be made the scapegoat by his family if the man dies and they are prosecuted.

He makes a decision which will affect both the man’s wife and his own future relationship with his fiancee.

It is a compelling, slow-burning drama driven by a sterling performance by Kocak who portrays beautifully his character's moral and emotional turmoil. But the problem lies in suspended and abrupt ending that leaves the viewer to ponder what course of action will Kadir ultimately take.

MD

Out on Mubi on August 15