House of Sand and Fog

Details

Brilliantly written and brutally realistic, the critically acclaimed House of Sand and Fog is one of the year's finest films to date. Starring Academy Award winners Ben Kingsley (Schindler's List) and Jennifer Connelly (A Beautiful Mind), it was deservedly recognised at this year's Oscars, receiving nominations for Best Actor in a Leading Role (Ben Kingsley) and Best Actress in a Supporting Role (Shoreh Aghdashloo). Based on the best-selling novel by Andre Dubus III, House of Sand and Fog is a dark and absorbing tale of possession and ambition, out to own and rent from Buena Vista Home Entertainment on 23rd August 2004.

Kathy Nicola (Connelly) is a recovering addict who has been devastated by the loss of both her husband and her father. Lonely and depressed, she has been failing to open her mail and, as a result, has missed payment on her home. The house is opened for auction, where it is snapped up by Massoud Amir Behrani (Kingsley), a former Colonel in the Iranian airforce, who has hit hard times since moving to America. He views his new home as the opportunity his family needs to regain their affluent lifestyle, leaving behind the poverty they have encountered in America. Kathy, however, is determined not to lose her home, and a desperate battle for the property ensues. With both characters future happiness riding on the possession of the house, the battle becomes a matter of life or death, and the outcome is inevitably tragic.

Featuring outstanding performances from its stellar cast, House of Sand and Fog offers no easy answers, encouraging the audience to sympathise with both parties. Kingsley arguably gives the performance of his lifetime as this dignified man desperate to do his best for his family. Connelly is equally impressive as the downtrodden Kathy, and Aghdashloo beautifully conveys sympathy and pain despite the language barrier between her character and Kathy.

Thought-provoking and emotionally compelling, House of Sand and Fog will move you again and again on DVD.