London River

London River

The theme is fascinating. The execution of the film is superb. I was riveted to my seat because I couldn’t imagine how it would end.

Mixed marriages and cross cultural relations is not a new topic. London River has a new refreshing take.

The time is July 7, 2005. A bomb has destroyed a bus in central London.

Elisabeth is a widow living in farm country on Guernsey Island. She sees the news broadcast and worries about her daughter, Jane living in London. After a series of calls she makes the trip to London to find her daughter. When Elisabeth arrives in London she discovers that her daughter was living in a Muslim area. She was shocked to discover that the boyfriend was Muslim was Muslim. You can imagine the shock.

Her paths cross with Mr. Ousamane. He is from Africa. He is tall and lanky with dreadlocks. He walks with a cane. At first I thought that he might be a vagrant but questioned why he was carrying a brief case. I soon discovered that he worked for the forestry department in France. Mr. Ousamane is looking for his son who he hasn’t seen since he was 6 years old.

Elisabeth is handing out pictures of her daughter, Jane. Mr. Ousamane recognizes her picture. She is in a class photo with Mr. Ousamane’s son. They had been studying Arabic at a mosque. They also were lovers living in the same apartment.

Mr. Ousamane and Elisabeth are from different cultures and interests. They both have a common goal of finding their children.

We go on their journey with them as they look in hospitals and the morgue. They visit the mosque and learn more about their children. They also learn about themselves.

The ending is upsetting and emotional.

There are several moments in the film that I found to be contrived. I overlooked it because I found such compassion for the two main characters. I enjoyed watching them on their journey of self discovery as well as the journey to find their children.

These are no Hollywood type characters. They are genuine and believable. The acting is superb.

It was quite a journey and well worth the trip. The film is currently playing at my favorite theatre the TIFF Bell Lightbox.