Incense
Incense

Movie spotlight

Incense

2003
Movie
97 min
Mandarin

In "Incense", director Ning Hao makes a comment on the state of traditional Buddhism in modern China. He portrays a disspirited, empty setting in which old Buddhist values are replaced by modern values of materialism and capitalism.

Insights

IMDb6.7/10
Director: Goran PaskaljevićGenres: Drama

Plot Summary

In a Serbian village grappling with the aftermath of war, a former soldier, now a teacher, struggles to reconnect with his community and family. He finds solace and a sense of purpose in the simple act of making incense, a tradition that brings a fragile peace to his troubled mind. The film explores themes of reconciliation, loss, and the quiet resilience of the human spirit amidst lingering trauma.

Critical Reception

Incense received a mixed to positive reception, with critics praising Paskaljević's sensitive direction and the performances of the lead actors. While some found the pacing deliberately slow, others appreciated its meditative quality and powerful portrayal of post-war Serbian life. The film was particularly noted for its subtle exploration of complex emotional landscapes.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its atmospheric direction and compelling performances.

  • The film's slow burn narrative offers a poignant look at post-war healing.

  • Some viewers found the deliberate pacing to be a drawback.

Google audience: Information on Google user reviews for 'Incense (2003)' is not widely available.

Fun Fact

The film was shot in and around the director Goran Paskaljević's native Serbia, adding an authentic sense of place and cultural context to the narrative.

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