Troubled Water : The Cost of Forgiveness

What does it take to forgive someone whose actions result in the death of a child? Even if it was an accident? Is it even possible to forgive such a mistake? Is an eye-for-an-eye the only true justice?  Can god redeem the unredeemable? 

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 a prison in Norway after serving time for actions that resulted in the death of a child, he must adjust to bearing that heavy guilt and still functioning in society.

After his release, Jan decides is to take up a job as an organ player in a church.  It turns out Jan is a very talented organist, and gets the job, although it is unbeknownst to the clergy that Jan is a convicted felon.

The film is dark and brooding, and draws you into as Jan is forced to look deep into his own soul.

Troubled Water is the definition of an art house film, and 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 never would claim to know much about church organ music, but the Troubled Water showcases it wonderfully, as sorrow and inspiration become intertwined.

Yet another cinematic gem from Norway, which is becoming a force to be reckoned with in the film world. This powerful story of human introspection is the most moving film I've seen in a long while. It will linger in memory well after the credits roll.

MY RATING:  7.0