Jennifer Connelly, Ben Kingsley

REGION 4 AUSTRALIA

The humble house sits in a small yard but has views of the ocean, views to die for. More importantly, it is a house that represents the American dream: no more than to displaced Iranian Colonel, Massoud Amir Behrani (Ben Kingsley). Together with his family, he was forced to flee the life he once knew. Now he pours the remainder of his life savings into the purchase of the house that he believes will, at last, bring back their prosperity. However, the house is sold in error, a bureaucratic bungle has left the original owner, recovering addict, Kathy Nicolo (Jennifer Connelly), unjustly evicted and without power to stop the sale. So the conflict for ownership begins. And with neither party able to let go of their great, desperate dream, they are inescapably propelled towards a stunning climax. Critically acclaimed and with a superb cast including Academy Award winners Ben Kingsley (Best Actor - Gandhi, 1982) and Jennifer Connelly (Best Supporting Actress - A Beautiful Mind, 2001), House of Sand and Fog echoes the haunting thought that some dreams just can't be shared.

USER REVIEW :

A Beautiful Tragedy
josh88-114 December 2004
In a tragedy that only the likes of Sophocles or Shakespeare could recreate, the film House of Sand and Fog proves that some dreams really can't be shared. The American dream is shattered for Colonel Behrani and Kathy Nicolo in this movie of devastating beauty. It is a film about the relentless struggle between an Iranian man and a post-alcoholic over a small house near a Californian beach. When Kathy loses her house due to county error, Behrani buys it for the sake of money and self-pride. Their worlds clash when they realize there is no perfect solution to this mistake, ending with a shockingly tragic twist. The acting put forth in this film was nothing less of amazing. Ben Kinglsey, as always, played his role as if he was really in it, really showing us his point of view and displaying his need for the house. Jennifer Connely played her role beautifully as well, showing the inward spiral she was facing and how her depression finally took her over. The story was nearly flawless with a few money and law errors. However, the tragic themes of the film ring through nonetheless. With a little less than a superior performance from Ron Eldard, the film still had wonderful acting and brilliant film technique. Based on the best-selling novel by Andre Dubus III, director Vadim Perelman does an incredible job of staying true to the novel, and using a few Russian film techniques to give a sense of emotion. This type of film truly will tug at your heart and bring tears, yet will give a sense of appreciation for the human life.