Abu is a recently reformed drug dealer who is trying to put his troubled life behind him. He has gotten two jobs, one as a claims adjuster for an insurance company, the other as a bouncer at a local bar that he works during the night. One day he receives devastating news in regards to his heath which compels him to finally make peace with his past transgressions and find his inner peace outside of the concrete walls of New York City, the only place he has ever known. Keith Miller's Welcome to Pine Hill is a detailed, character study of a man whose life simply hasn't gone as he planned. This is a pensive experience lead by Shannon Harper's gentle and subtle lead performance. The whole film feels very understated and simple but make no mistake, it's extremely poignant and resonant. Welcome to Pine Hill relishes the quiet moments of reflection where the viewer simply watches Abu's inner struggle towards spiritual peace. Keith Miller doesn't rely at all on cheap dramatic devices but instead allows the let the narrative breath, giving the whole film a very naturalistic quality which few films match. Perhaps the greatest achievement of the entire film is its ability to capture the total lack of control we all have over the world around us. Whether we have plans or not, life has a way of being far bigger than any individuals aspirations and Welcome to Pine Hill seems to suggest that we must all find our own peace among the chaos. 8/10
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AuthorLove of all things cinema brought me here. Archives
June 2023
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