Could be dramatically overwhelming at times, but this Cannes Jury Prize winner more or less pulls through admirably, with an extraordinary performance by its non-professional leading child actor.

Could be dramatically overwhelming at times, but this Cannes Jury Prize winner more or less pulls through admirably, with an extraordinary performance by its non-professional leading child actor.
The melodramatic treatment of its politically-charged subject matter prevents the film from hitting the high notes of a truly thought-provoking work, but it is no doubt riveting and accessible to a wide audience.