X on a Map (2009)
In a time when every continent that can be discovered has been discovered, Paul works as a cartographer who dreams of distant places. That is until he crosses Ana who folds maps for the same company. During a secret meeting he eventually discovers his own private America that cannot be found on any map of the world.
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I don't have all the words right now but this film is a work of art.
At first rather annoying in its heavy emphasis on reenactments, this movie ultimately proves fascinating, simply because the complicated, highly dramatic tale it tells still almost defies belief.
It really made me laugh, but for some moments I was tearing up because I could relate so much.
The story, direction, characters, and writing/dialogue is akin to taking a tranquilizer shot to the neck, but everything else was so well done.
"X on a map" got me from the very first frame (including the credits). These elderly people in Grey suits stepping out of the lift reminded me very much of the bureaus pictured in "The Apartment" by Bily Wilder. Noticing moreover that this film apparently is set in earlier times got me into the right mood from the very beginning.I don't want to give away the whole story, so I'll give only a glimpse of what happens in "X on a map". Paul and Ana work in a factory that produces maps. He draws. She folds. They get to know each other by chance. Paul is a dreamer while Ana seems more down-to-earth. He dreams of foreign places that haven't been discovered yet and soon infects her with his wanderlust.CUT -Naturally, 13 minutes aren't enough to provide an elaborate story with twists and turns and deep character development and such. Consequently, this film doesn't amaze me with its detailed story line but rather with its unique atmosphere. In 13 short minutes it generates poignant melancholy and profound but yet diffuse longing for distant places and eventually left me behind with the fulminating desire to go out and see the world. Not many films manage that.Mark "X on a map" with an X on your watch list!