Asylum Seekers (2009)

This is How Movies Should Be Made

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

Story: It's very simple but honestly that is fine.

One of the film's great tricks is that, for a time, you think it will go down a rabbit hole of unrealistic glorification.

This movie is great! Fantastic cinematic shots, colors, sets and great actors.Its subject is genius. Characters seeking an asylum? The way I feel sometimes in this society made me question: why not seek an asylum? It takes you on a bizarre journey that feels like your trapped in a brain of another sort of character. The Music adds to the story of each character wonderfully as well. I could identify with so many moments. Especially Dr. Raby's. I don't want to spoil anything by saying too much but Daniel Irizarry's work in this film just carries you with him in the sentiments. I look forward to seeing more from the Director, Rania Ajami.

The plot concept of this film might be best described as a tale of morals but is one that uses the interaction between startlingly bizarre and troubled characters, personalities who describe extreme ends of society. This surprisingly surreal mix in turn questions the viewer's own thoughts on their behaviour as the story continues to develop. The viewer is forced into trying to empathise with each character in order to better understand their individual mannerisms and their interaction with the others. The result is that the troubled nature of each character presents a vignette of differing social mores, whilst all the while the viewer is attempting to determine which one will ultimately prevail in their mutual quest. Cleverly conceived and excellently cast. A fine production.R.

AMAZING ESCAPISM!!! Wish I could escape our "mad" contemporary world through "ASSYLUM SEEKERS" EXIT door!!! Loved the revolutionary Red Digit Cinema Camera! Incredible Inventive Cinematography!!!! Saw the preview in London and I can't wait for the general release in the U.K. Perceived insanity is like beauty in the eye of the beholder! Not all of us would reach a consensus what beauty is & certainly will agree who is sane or insane! Rania Ajami in my view reached the same conclusion! Her inmates evoke certain universal truths! A job well done!! The choice of actors was superb which proved the greatness of the director1 It was a remarkable black comedy!

This is the kind of indie film we don't see much of anymore. Great story, stunning visuals, and completely out there (it's right up there with the classics, Rocky Horror Picture Show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and Velvet Goldmine). The acting is great, the characters are alive on screen, all of them funny, anguished, paranoid, and lovable. The costumes, the locations, all of the visuals are eye popping and bizarre as we are taken through the worlds and minds of these unique characters. The story alone sets the tone for this creative and wacky comedy, 6 self proclaimed crazies all fighting for the last spot in an elite insane asylum, you can be sure you're in for a wild ride!