Playground

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Wayne K @WayneKelso May 13, 2025 School is, for many of us, a mundane and unremarkable part of our lives that we go through simply because we have to. For others, it’s a living Hell. Playground is a combination of the 2, with the dull routine of classwork and timetables mixed in with the anxiety of mingling with fellow students, who either make it clear that they’re not your friend, or simply pretend to be when it suits them. Filming events from the low angle brings us as close to the action and mentality of the child characters as possible, and despite their lack of acting experience the kids playing Nora & Abel are incredible. They’re not cutesy tots there to dispense life lessons or act like adults, they’re actual kids who can be nasty, closed off and antagonistic. For much of the film we barely even see the bullies close up. They’re either shot at a distance, or their mocking voices are off screen. It’s not important what they look like. What matters is what they say and do and the impact it has. Our leads go through various stages of bullying, such as denial, withdrawal and eventually lashing out, and the story reflects the real-world tendency of the bullied to become the bully, because it gives them even the slightest feeling of strength and superiority. Its does feel longer than its 72 minutes runtime as the repetition of events borders on tedium, but the reason it works is that it doesn’t sugarcoat or overly embellish. It tells a very universal story that we can all either relate to or easily recognise, and its sparse dialogue and lack of music makes it all the more stark and realistic. Not a film for everyone, but one that’s not easily forgotten. See more Sandy H @RT86226293 Oct 24, 2024 Shot entirely from the point of view of the six year old sister, the film attains its power from the ability of the audience to see her learn the cruelty of the school yard and the inaccessibility of the adults, no matter how sympathetic they are. In its quiet way, PLAYGROUND reveals how power relationships shape and isolate human beings. See more Cody H @CodyHue Sep 1, 2024 This film shows the beauty of simplicity in story writing, nonetheless covered in a coating of an intense deep rollercoaster of thoughts and emotions. Many can relate to its topic of bullying. Where lay the boundaries of friendship, loyalty, protection, siblingship. A story that feels realistic and understandable in every way. The entire film is happening at just one location, the playground (school). The amazing acting and realistic dialogue make it feel like you are watching a documentary instead of a feature film. A well deserved Oscar! See more Jim P @RT08384096 Jul 18, 2024 I am an ex-teacher in 🇬🇧, and I have to say…. Superb! Bravo!! See more elana k @RT79062488 Dec 30, 2023 I just got tired of looking at the adorable child's face. See more May 30, 2023 Amazing acting from the little girl. The teachers weren’t much help. Even the teacher that was meant to be the nice one - really wasn’t. The father has the most to answer for. You would have to know something is up if your kids favourite ice cream is vanilla 🙄 See more Read all reviews

Playground

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