Sworn Virgin
New Arrivals
•
1h 28m
Directed by Laura Bispuri | 88 mins | 2015
This adaptation of Elvira Dones’s acclaimed novel fully mines the psychological dimensions of the “sworn virgin”—Albanian women who follow an obscure law whereby, upon taking a vow of virginity, they may escape imposed domestic life and live as a man. Mark, first born as Hana, finds that a life oriented around this pledge is no easy task, and abandons her home for Italy. Mark is played by Alba Rohrwacher in a performance of dazzling physicality, the actress’s every expression, every gesture, every reading geared towards an expression of living against societal expectations. Director Laura Bispuri ("My Brilliant Friend"), with the performances of Rohrwacher and Lars Eidinger (Everyone Else, Personal Shopper) enliven the material’s secrets and sensuality. One comes from the film feeling as though they’ve lived, even briefly, its protagonist’s complicated life, and are only richer for it.
Up Next in New Arrivals
-
The Demons
Directed by Philippe Lesage | 118 mins | 2015
Philippe Lesage’s fifth feature also marks his narrative debut, begetting an uncommon blend of atmosphere and storytelling. When a group of young boys are kidnapped in his suburban Montreal town, Felix, a fear-riddled 10-year-old, finds his wild imagi... -
To the Ends of the Earth
Directed by Kiyoshi Kurosawa | 120 mins | 2019
This rare film made outside Kurosawa's native Japan is also some of the closest he's come to outright comedy. When TV host Yoko (J-pop sensation Atsuko Maeda) travels to Uzbekistan to record a new episode of her travel show, the country's unfamiliar ... -
Tony Takitani
Directed by Jun Ichikawa | 76 mins | 2004
Jun Ichikawa is one of Japan’s least-appraised geniuses, and "Tony Takitani" is perhaps his masterpiece. This Haruki Murakami adaptation mirrors the author’s clear, precise prose with its study of a well-meaning loner, played perfectly by Issey Ogata ("Yi...
