Edges of the Lord is a movie that wasn’t released theatrically, due to some distributing difficulties. We now have it on DVD. Billed as “in the tradition of Life is Beautiful”, Edges of the Lord is an edgy little coming of age story set against the backdrop of World War II. The plot is simple enough: a 12 year old Jewish boy (Haley Joel Osment) hides with a family of Catholic peasants to escape the Nazi’s. The results are resonant and often powerful.
Everyone’s favorite child actor, Osme…t, is quite good here. But the real find is Liam Tess as Tolo. Willem Dafoe also gives a good performance (when is he not good?) as Priest. The movie tries a little too hard to be remembered as a classic in the same vein as The Diary of Anne Frank or the much darker Life is Beautiful. Edges of the Lord is, simply put, a simple story well told.
Audio
A very plain Dolby Digital 2.0 track, but it gets the job done. Dialogue is quite clear and audible. The front speakers get a lot of the action. This is a movie that doesn’t rely on a varied aural palette. Surround might have only clouded the issue.
Video
The 1.85:1 ratio is fine for the film’s personal story. The transfer seems quite clean, no discernable edge enhancements or haloing. Colors are natural, sometimes bordering into too much stylization. Details are well defined, but a little hazy. Overall, a very clean and modest transfer.
Special Features
Just a few previews.
Final Thoughts
Edges of the Lord is a small gem in the rough. But it’s not a perfect gem and has a few flaws. However, the story is well told and well performed. The audio and video are fine; the lack of extras is unfortunate but forgivable. If you’re in the mood for a World War II movie that doesn’t focus on the horrors of war, Edges of the Lord strikes a small but powerful note.
Special Features List
- Previews
