Do Elephants Pray?

If anyone is looking to experience what a spiritual film should feel in terms of shaking awareness, look no further than Do Elephants Pray? The inner voyage begins literally from the very first frame, taking us into a realm that will leave an unforgettable trace. Following the struggle of the main character to decipher his doubts engages into that intensely human search faced with a crisis that needs to be confronted 'with the forehead against the night'. At certain parts, when the images and sounds lure us deeper into the forest, a Buddhist thought comes to mind regarding that sensation that 'at the deepest recesses of the forest, the mystery is still there'. All along the film, the camera performs extremely subtle moves that mysteriously shift the focus of awareness. To experience higher realms of consciousness is not easy matter, even if the event of projecting light through darkness is a perfect environment for it. But XXI century spectators rarely have their well-deserved chance. This film invites the audience with open arms to take the jump and go high. Don't avoid it because it will surely touch some strings, and even if it doesn't, at least you will be able to say that you have been moved by the most amazing psychotropic trip ever filmed. Never before a cinematic pill has gone so far into that land of the beyond and back! Check it out without risking disappointment! After all, it takes courage to change

I was drawn to this film by its captivating title, expecting some religious undertone message but instead I was pleasantly surprised to watch a warm and funny movie.

Julie Dray's performance was a joy to watch, she is an absolute delight on the screen and a pure natural. Its as though her character was specifically written for her. I have a feeling we will be seeing a lot more of her in the future.

It's a beautifully shot film which left me yearning to just switch of my computer, shut my office door and take off into a forest.

Recommended.

STAR RATING: ***** Saturday Night **** Friday Night *** Friday Morning ** Sunday Night * Monday Morning

Callum (Jonnie Hurn) is in the advertising world, but feels like he's losing his soul. One day, pretty French girl Malika (Julie Dray) comes his way, and offers to broaden his horizons, taking him on a spiritual journey across London and in to Europe, where he's forced to confront his demons while stopping arrogant arch rival Marrien (Marc Warren) from usurping his throne at work.

Boston Kickout director Paul Hills delivers this superlative independent drama that's taken it's time to secure a release date, and seems to have been shelved for some years now. This is undoubtedly to do with how illusive it would probably prove to the average cinema goer, an artsy, off the beaten track production with it's own morals and new age values that would probably only appeal to a very certain crowd. And, indeed, this low budget effort certainly does prove very alienating and fails to draw you in to the story or the characters.

It's low budget enough to almost feel like a student effort, amateurishly shot and produced, with Warren probably the most high profile star there, which really says it all. If the film itself feels pretentious and preachy, then the characters are even more so, especially one character. Malika will get under your skin like no other, with her intermittent outbursts of happy and sad, prodding and pressing our main protagonist all the way until you wonder why he doesn't just strangle her in the middle of a dense forest with no witnesses around. Warren's arch rival comes off as cartoonishly obnoxious, leaving you to wonder how he can maintain employment with such an abrasive attitude. Hurn is probably the most natural, empathetic character in the show, a wave of calm in a sea of crazy.

When you think about it, the title's enough to give away the tone of the film. And I should have adhered caution. **

Do Elephants Pray is a wonderfully mastered Indie Film. With great contrast of natural and urban settings as well as corporate themes being derailed by more organic themes, this movie has it all. The intensity of the journey of the main character (played by Jonnie Hurn) and the lighthearted banter of Julie Dray's character provide a nice contrast with the corporate world that Marc Warren and the office staff provide to the story. Jonnie is a believable stodgy Englishman that meets the colorful character Malika (Julie Dray) and follows her into the unknown and into the next incarnation of his life through intense physical and witty conversational moments. Malika appears to be other worldly in her infinite wisdom of life.

The crowds in the festival I viewed this had many laughs, a few ah ha moments, and great questions at the question and answer session for Paul Hills. The soundtrack is another one of the nice details that help keep this movie connected to the audience and to the story. Well done, I saw it twice during the festival and would love to see it again.

I'm a sucker for films that defy categorisation, and this film certainly does that. It's a beautifully crafted British indie that favours story over convention. That said, the story is an archetypal journey: man leaves his hollow life, goes on a journey, and comes back full.

The cinematography is simple and beautiful, with the scenes in the French forest suitably magical. The performances are a curious blend between understated and outrageous. Great support from Marc Warren (to be expected) and John Last (who holds his own spectacularly next to Warren).

The film is bold in that the lead, Callum, isn't the most affable of protagonists, and his co- lead is quite irritating as a character. But she is HIS foil, not ours, and this is where the story wins over and doesn't fall into giving the audience stereotypes that we can all swoon over. It also makes Callum's reluctance to continue the journey all the more real.

It's a magical story that could easily make it a chick-flick, but doesn't (largely because of the brash masculinity and language of the male supports!) - this is a film that you need to see open minded, and without preconception. Then it is provocative and rewarding.

I hear it's been picking up festival wins, and it deserves every one. Can't wait to see it on general release.