Another Round

I dunno about you, but I have to try this.  I mean, seriously, there’s likely some truth to this and that kinda excites me. And that’s what makes this film interesting.  What a brilliant film on the studies of alcohol and it’s benefits and it’s saddening negatives. I suppose it shows us how easy it is to get sucked in to alcoholism and how quickly it can stop being fun. It’s hard to grasp when your enjoying yourself but the people around you may not be reaping the enjoyment you are. But it’s interesting because it’s somewhat paradoxical. Martin finds himself a new man at the 0.05% level, the sustainable and light level where he embraces a newfound confidence and self-respect. He ignites his relationship with his wife again and he begins teaching with compassion and feeling fresh and happy. It’s how it spirals downwards - and curiosity drives the group too far, leading Martin divorced years later - that makes this incongruent. Is it a good idea? Is it a bad idea? Your toying with these questions throughout and it’s hard to know which is right.  It’s really well done and it’s carefully written. It’s very natural feeling and it’s poignant, slow and subtle.  A mentally-stimulating and fascinating film that leaves you questioning a lot - I still am. I really don’t know.. the ambiguity and duality of the nature of the film has really got me at a loose end..  I don’t truly know how I feel about Another Round and I’m looking forward to watching it again because there’s a lot to think about. Nevertheless, I’ll certainly be singing it’s praises.