The mature, married couple are having an honest discussion about sex, and the way the film is unfolding it gives us the feeling of la laissez-faire, modern living. Not so fast. Elsa is the probation officer, Ralf is the husband and Jan is a 16-year-old good looking, strange delinquent. A very different, passionate and moving bond is formed between the Elsa and Jan, a forbidden love. Why something so beautiful need to be deplored or destroyed by some who do not understand it? Jan is young and different, Jan is attracted to something even he can't explain but let his feelings go, go as afar as they take him. Elsa, hesitant at first but is going along. "Punish Me" is a gentle film about violent desires, well written, beautifully filmed, impeccably acted and masterfully directed by Angelina Maccarone. It is full of tension, delight and surprises with a sensible and somehow open-ended, tender finish.
Review of Verfolgt
Verfolgt
(2006)
The complexities of human attraction, in beautiful B&W
8 April 2011
Warning: Spoilers