Die Seven-Ups (1973)

Die Seven-Ups: Directed by Philip D’Antoni. With Roy Scheider, Victor Arnold, Jerry Leon, Ken Kercheval. A tough detective who is part of an elite New York City unit is trying to find out who killed his partner, but uncovers a plot to kidnap mobsters for money.

“Greetings again from the darkness. Immigration is an important and hot topic these days, and it should be noted that most countries have challenges with people either trying to get in or trying to get out … and for some, itu0026#39;s both. Writer-director Ben Sharrock offers a unique and creative look at refugees stuck on a nameless remote Scottish island, awaiting word on their UK asylum request.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOmar (Amir El-Masry, Tom Clancyu0026#39;s u0026quot;Jack Ryanu0026quot; TV series) has escaped the war in Syria, and we learn much about him from listening in on calls to his mother from the only phone booth on the island. An acclaimed musician in Damascus, Omar lugs around his grandfatheru0026#39;s oud (u0026quot;itu0026#39;s like a guitaru0026quot;). As proof of his homesickness, the bulky case never leaves his side, nor does he pull the instrument out to play – music is meant for joyous occasions. Omar shares a small house with three other refugees: Farhad (Vikash Bhai) from Afghanistan, Abedi (Kwabena Ansah) from Ghana, and Wasef (Ola Orebiyi) from Nigeria, with the latter two posing as brothers in hopes of improving their odds for asylum.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOmar is a sullen stone-face who absorbs the racist taunts from young locals (they ask if he makes bombs), and stands in contrast to the more outgoing and optimistic (and darn funny) Farhad. Not only does he idolize Freddie Mercury for u0026quot;teachingu0026quot; him English, Farhad, with his ever-present cigarette, also captures a chicken and keeps it as a pet. These refugees regularly attend a class entitled u0026quot;Cultural Awareness 101u0026quot;, meant to acclimate those from varying backgrounds to the local customs and culture. These segments are mined beautifully for comedic effect, while also giving us insight into all those involved. There are also references to Chet Baker, Donnie Osmond, and the TV series, u0026quot;Friendsu0026quot;.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eThis is a terrific film, as well as an odd one. Many of the shots from cinematographer Nick Cooke are static and sparse in style, and though focused on the individuals, the camera also captures much of the isolation of the island. These visuals are stunning in both their simplicity and relevance. Itu0026#39;s a dramedy unafraid to be absurd in a moment, while also being enlightening. At times it has the feel of Wes Anderson without the color palette. We arenu0026#39;t sure what is worse, the weather or the local postal service. Brutal cold envelops the newcomers, while the delivery route of a postal van (and the reactions of the refugees) is a comedic highlight. Even the local market, with its limited spice selection and directions for urination, draws laughter from us.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eDespite the comedy, we never lose sight of these folks being stuck in purgatory. Maybe itu0026#39;s not true camaraderie, but they seem to take some comfort in numbers as they wait. Omar is carrying guilt and feelings of inadequacy as he chose to leave while his older brother Nabil (Kais Nashif) remained in Syria to fight in the war. There is a wonderful u0026quot;sceneu0026quot; that allows Omar to make peace with their contrasting decisions, and it leads him back to playing music. After all, u0026quot;a musician who doesnu0026#39;t play is deadu0026quot;. The titular term of Limbo often means stuck, and there is also a game of persistence that uses that name, and both definitions work here. We are reminded that regardless of the various cultures, those in the immigration system have their own personal stories and burdens.u003cbr/u003eu003cbr/u003eOpens in theaters on April 30, 2021.”