Cinema Society

SKIN

Average
Rating

4

Tuesday, October 20, 2009, AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Invited Guest: Anthony Fabian

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 20

7:10PM: Introduction, Auditorium 4

7:15PM: Introduction, Auditorium 5

7:30PM: SKIN

Auditoriums 4 & 5

Discussion will follow screening in Auditorium 4

AMC La Jolla 12 Theatres

Audience Choice Award

Palm Beach, Santa Barbara, High Falls, Los Angeles Pan African and AFB Dallas Film Festivals

SKIN

South Africa, 2008, 107 Minute Running Time

Language: English, Zulu English subtitles

A genetic abnormality caused Sandra Lang, born of white parents in South Africa, to look like a black person. This strange twist fuels Anthony Farina's strong drama, based on a true story. Sophia Okonedo is superb in the lead, as are Sam Neil and Alice Krill as her caring but occasionally out-of-touch parents.

Directed by Anthony Farina, SKIN stars Sam Neil, Alice Krill and Sophia Okonedo (HOTEL RWANDA).

PLEASE NOTE: SKIN is in English and Zulu with English subtitles

Running Time: 107 Minutes

Rated PG-13 for thematic material, some violence and sexuality

Send a Comment

14-Nov-09: MRoe - Rating: 4

What a traumatic story, one that just seems so unthinkable but sadly did occur. I enjoyed everyone's performance. I had to wonder if Abraham (Sam Neil) was relieved that his third child came out black to prove that his wife didn't cheat on him as hinted that he did have his doubts at times. Though this film clearly showed the ignorant and frustrating way people thought during this time the movie was still true to a single and personal story without turning into a preachy/lecture on the horrors of Apartheid....though it was a horrible shameful time.

21-Oct-09: ms - Rating: 4

A facinting story. I a bit more editing would have served it well but I enjoyed it none the less. I did not find that the film had a negative portrayal men - rather I found it potrayed the effects of a brutal system on them. Petrus who seemed to be a bright, ambitious man completely beaten down by the realities of apartheid and even Sandra's father who seemed unable to break free from the system.

The ending seemed to be on an upnote until I read that her brothers had refused to reunite with Sandra

21-Oct-09: ebee - Rating: 4

Alice Krige is one of my favorite actresses and so it was a real treat to watch her! I agree that Sophie came on screen a bit too early and that 3 actresses should have played her. The young-middle years with Sophie seemed very awkward and distracting, but once she came into a believable age... amazing! It is a head shaking story..very well told and indeed the music was terrific. A great Cinema Society Choice...thanks, Andy!

21-Oct-09: Sarah - Rating: 4

What an extraordinary life. I appreciate that the heart of the story stayed primarily anchored in portraying the relationship between Sandra and her parents, where it could have easily lost focus and became a meandering and overlong biopic. Great performances all around and Hélène Muddiman was delightful in a very entertaining and candid Q&A.

21-Oct-09: Georgi - Rating: 4

The lead actress here was too old to be playing a late teen or early twenties. We could have had three actresses for her role. The music was the best part. This is such a mind boggling story which causes head shaking on many levels. From the horrors of apartheid itself, to the messages this little girl got growing up, to the early doubts of the husband as to his wife's fidelity, to the down right negative attitude toward men in general. Sam Neil terrifically embodied his role as the image of the Afrikaner of the time. As I write this, in retrospect, I will go back and give it a "4"--instead of the usual 3.