Cert 15
93 mins
BBFC advice: Contains one strong gory image
The name Vincent Cassel is a very consistent hallmark of quality cinema.
And here he is at his brilliant best in Ariel Kleiman's original and, in my opinion, engrossing drama.
To my surprise, I have noted that Partisan has not gone down that well with most reviewers.
This might be the reason that it is going to be available on demand at the same time as its cinema release next week.
I was fortunate to be sent a private screening link by its distributors Metrodome so watched it on my laptop at 6am this morning.
Yes, I couldn't sleep because my mind was in a whirl after the very positive reaction in Pakistan to a review I posted yesterday.
So, my very good mood might be the explanation for my appreciation of Partisan.
That along with quality of Cassel and his young co-star Jeremy Chabriel.
Partisan's premise is that Cassel's character Gregori is the head of a commune and the sole male adult with a group of compliant women and their children who are being nurtured to be assassins.
Yes, the small kids literally go out and murder people to order.
The theory seems to be that they will always do what they are told and there will be no psychological damage because they know no different.
I contrast, their home life is loving and full of bonhomie... until two of the children begin to question their upbringing.
Chabriel plays Gregori's protege but while he is the most proficient killer, he is also a potential dissenter.
Partisan provokes deep thought about whether children can be brainwashed into following parents and adults whatever the belief system.
It is bleak and brave and the quality of the acting is top-notch with 14-year-old Chabriel responding splendidly to Cassel's lead.
I thought it was well worth a watch.
Star Tweet
#PartisanFilm has been nominated for 4 @AACTA awards. Congratulations to the entire team! http://mad.mn/2015aacta
Reasons to watch: Another mesmerising performance by Vincent Cassell
Reasons to avoid: The manipulation of the children could be upsetting
Laughs: none
Jumps: none
Vomit: none
Nudity: none
Overall rating: 8/10