What does it take to forgive a child murderer? Is it even possible to forgive an act so evil? What if it was an accident? Is an eye for an eye the only true justice? These are the themes that the film Troubled Water offer up for philosophical debate.
When an ex-con, Jan (that's pronounced "Yan") is released from prison after serving time for the murder of a child. Being reinstatement into society, Jan's first act is to take up a job as an Organ player in a church. Unbeknownst to the clergy that Jan is a convicted felon.
The film is dark and brooding, much like the Norwegian people themselves, but also has a kinder side to it. Troubled Water doesn't play favorites, it doesn't force you to like the villain, but it does force you to understand him, and how sometimes, one bad act can set off a chain of events that can wreak havoc on the lives around you.
Troubled Water is the definition of an art house film, only the art is top notch. The film is heavy on biblical themes and analogies. The main theme is water, and it is used constantly in the film as a symbol of life and death and renewal. The music of the film is also superb.
I have never been a huge fan of church organ, or organ in general (Ray Manzarek was pretty good) but this movie ties the beauty and sorrow of the music with the guilt and suffering of Catholicism perfectly.
Another gem from Norway, which is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the film world. This powerful story of redemption is the most moving film I've seen in a long while. It will shake you to your core.
7/10
