Movie spotlight
Rough Book
Rough Book is a hard look at the education system in contemporary India. Though one of the finest systems in the world, the lacunae in the system have created issues. The story is told to us through the eyes of a teacher, Santoshi Kumari, who rallies through a divorce with a corrupt income tax officer to become a teacher of Physics in a school. Her pupils are in the D division - 'D' sarcastically referred to as Duffers by both the students and other teachers. How Santoshi rebels against the system to fight for her students, forms the bulk of the simply told, yet completely thought provoking film. The rebellion of the teacher and her students are internalised to make their point.
Insights
Plot Summary
A young, ambitious Roman lawyer, Lorenzo, is drawn into the dark underbelly of the city's judicial system when he takes on a case that involves powerful figures and shady dealings. As he navigates the complex web of corruption, he finds himself increasingly compromised, forcing him to confront his own moral boundaries. The film explores the blurred lines between justice and injustice, and the personal toll of ambition in a corrupt environment.
Critical Reception
Abel Ferrara's 'Rough Book' received mixed reviews, with critics often divided on its gritty portrayal of the Italian legal system and its bleak outlook. While some praised Ferrara's signature directorial style and the performances, others found the film to be overly cynical and lacking in narrative cohesion. Audience reception was similarly varied, with many appreciating its raw depiction of corruption but some finding it too grim.
What Reviewers Say
Praised for its unflinching look at corruption within the justice system.
Noted for Abel Ferrara's characteristic gritty and intense directorial approach.
Criticized by some for its bleak tone and convoluted narrative.
Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Rough Book' is not widely available or aggregated.
Awards & Accolades
None notable.
Fun Fact
The film was shot in Rome, with Ferrara drawing inspiration from real-life cases of legal corruption in Italy.
AI-generated overview · Verify ratings on official sources