The Courageous

Director:

Jasmin Gordon

Genre:

Drama

Country/Region of production:

Switzerland

Awards and nominations:

Discovery lineup, 49th Toronto International Film Festival

Critics' Choice Award, Zurich Churches Film Prize, and nominee for Golden Eye Award, 20th Zurich Film Festival

Synopsis:

In a remote Swiss town, an eccentric and rebellious mother is fed up with the rules. Burdened by the mistakes of her past and a society that offers no forgiveness or second chances to people like her, she is determined to prove to her children – and to herself – that she is still a good person.

Why we recommend it:

Set against the breathtaking Swiss landscape, "The Courageous" takes us into a family with a "problematic" mother and her "problematic" children. Their lives and experiences provoke the audience to reflect on what it truly means to be a good parent in a judgmental world. The lead actress's compelling performance brings to life a mother caught between responsibility and rebellion. The fresh soundtrack enhances the emotional tension of the film, and the exploration of individual and collective courage resonates universally. If the title "The Courageous" clearly reflects the protagonist's daily struggle, the most touching line is her self-affirming statement: "The courageous are free." This is a must-watch for art film lovers who seek depth and authenticity.