MSFF MOVIE REVIEW: THE FOREST (EL BOSC)


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Dora,her husband Ramon and their baby daughter Rosita own a piece of land not far from a small town in Spain. The year is 1916 and as revolution takes over the country Ramon’s life is in danger and he is forced to flee. The family has a secret - on the eve of the same night every year some strange lights appear in the forest. According to the legend those who enter the lights will find themselves in another dimension. As Ramon is swallowed by the forest Dora is to shoulder all the hardships of war all by herself waiting for his return… 

One cannot avoid comparing THE FOREST with GUELLIERMO DEL TORO’s famous PAN’S LABYRINTH. Both films mix the realities of war with supernatural, both have similar structures and strong female protagonists. THE FOREST, however, has its own unique voice and a story to tell. It focuses on the role of a woman at the heart of war, positioning her as a true protector of land and the only reminder for men of their slipping humanity. While men wage wars, women guard what’s left of peace.  THE FOREST is about Dora's relationship with war. 

 For Dora the magical door to another dimension is easier to understand than the constantly changing rules of the real world. Dora’s only way to fight her way through the hard times is to remain true to herself, her home and her unlikable husband.

Maria Molins, as Dora, holds together this period drama and makes believable the supernatural part and Tom Sizemore's small role, as a likable American captain Pickett, adds a magic touch to a film.

THE FOREST has a good pace, but like many fantasy films is hard to wrap up. There is a moment close to the end when with growing feeling of disappointment I expected the credits to roll…  but that was not quite the end and the final five minutes gave THE FOREST the ending it deserved.

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