A Gritty Odyssey Through Darkness and Light

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MOVIE REVIEW
Bound
–

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Year Released: 2023
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Isaac Hirotsu Woofter
Writer(s): Isaac Hirotsu Woofter
Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Jessica Pimentel, Bryant Carroll, Pooya Mohseni, Alexandra Faye Sadeghian, Josh Alscher, Alok Tewari, Ethan Herschenfeld, Isaac Hirotsu Woofter, Aaron Dalla Villa, Tai Brown, Matt Magnusson, Aixa Kendrick, William Bloomfield
Where To Watch: shown at Dances with Films NY and LA, coming to the Breckenridge Film Festival this September 19-22, 2024; get your tickets here: www.breckfilm.org and for more information about the film, visit www.boundthemovie.com

RAVING REVIEW: Isaac Hirotsu Woofter's feature directorial debut throws us into an urban labyrinth where Bella (Alexandra Faye Sadeghian,) a young woman escaping a troubled past, ignites a narrative as resilient as it is evocative. This isn't just a story—it's an emotional roller coaster where past injustices and hopeful futures clash with enthusiasm. The film intertwines drama and thriller elements, presenting a profound exploration of the human spirit and the intricate dance of family ties.

Bella’s escape from a life controlled by her oppressive stepfather, Gordy (Bryant Carroll,) finds her in the bustling chaos of New York City. Alongside her unlikely companion—a squirrel named Bandit (the film's real star)—she meets a diverse cast: Marta (Jessica Pimentel,) a spirited undocumented immigrant; Owais (Ramin Karimloo,) a solitary veteran; and Standrick (Jaye Alexander,) an introspective clothing designer. This group forms an unlikely bond as Bella’s beacon of hope amidst her quest for peace.

Yet, as Bella settles into this new chapter, the shadows of her past quickly resurface, threatening the stability she has found. Revelations come to the front with present-day struggles, leading to fractured alliances and a fight for survival. This exploration is marked by a desperate bid to cut the ties to her haunting history, aiming for a poignant and heartrending liberation.

BOUND captures the rawness of Bella's reality with unique and impactful cinematography grounded in our world. The visceral camera work amplifies the stark contrasts between her quiet rural roots and the city's pulsating life. This storytelling, combined with a gripping score, deepens the film’s atmospheric tension, pulling viewers into the gritty authenticity of Bella's plight.

The meticulous attention to set design in BOUND intricately weaves the environments to reflect Bella's internal and external journeys. Each location is crafted to echo her emotional states—from the cluttered spaces of her old home with Gordy to the expansive, albeit chaotic, freedom of New York streets. This careful arrangement of spaces supports the narrative’s depth and visually represents Bella’s transition from confinement to liberation.

Sadeghian shines as Bella, transforming from a vulnerable figure on the run to a pinnacle of strength. Her portrayal resonates, reflecting the universal battle against personal demons. Carroll adds a chilling and unsettling depth as Gordy, whose menacing influence propels the film’s central tension.

The pacing of BOUND unravels the emotional fabric of its characters. The audience is drawn deep into their complex stories and the parts that make each one whole. This culminates in an ending that melds redemption with devastating losses, showcasing the film's dramatic core.

The film offers a potent depiction of battling against the odds. BOUND is an immersive odyssey into resilience and emotional healing. It emerges as a film that challenges and captivates, leaving a lasting impact on its audience. It is a must-watch for anyone who values stories that transcend mere entertainment to touch on the realities of human strength and fragility.

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[photo courtesy of PARALYSIS PRODUCTIONS]

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