PREVIEW: Forgiveness of Blood (12A)

Journalist turned film director Joshua Marston, director of Maria Full of Grace and New York, I Love You brings you his new Albanian film Forgiveness of Blood.
Marston's film is an adrenaline fuelled journey to the heart of Albania where the modern world clashes with ancient law.

Forgiveness of Blood offers exceptional performances from an inexperienced cast with the two young leads Tristan Halilaj and Sindi Lacej stealing the show with their raw and powerful performances throughout.


Forgiveness of blood demonstrates the freedom and joys of the modern world; the desolate setting and ancient laws of the land quashes the freedom of the modern day.
The film follows Nik (Halilaj), a popular kid at school, who has found love for the first time, and his sister Rudina (Lacej), one of the brightest children of her age, as they enjoy the luxuries of modern life to the full. However, a dispute erupts over the use of land between their father and their neighbour, resulting in the neighbour's death. Avoiding arrest and justice the victim's family evokes a 15th century code known as the Kanun that demands a life is needed in return. Nik finds himself the prime target and is confined to the house however, his desire to retain the life he once had could prove too much to resist.

Forgiveness of Blood is a film to admire. With great camerawork from British cinematographer Rob Hardy and a solid screenplay it's been well recognised and received worldwide with official selections at both Telluride Film Festival and Toronto International Film Festival as well as winning Best Screenplay at both the Berlin and Chicago International Film Festivals.

*The life of Marston's film resides in the brooding inner dramas of brother and sister. They are beautifully played by Tristan Halilaj and Sindi Lacej*

Anthony Quinn

*Californian director Joshua Marston follows the path less travelled again with a terrific Albanian follow-up to his Columbia drug drama Maria Full of Grace*

Patrick Peters

Watch the fantastic trailer for Forgiveness of Blood here:

Forgiveness of Blood is showing at Gloucester Guildhall on Tuesday 4th September at 2pm and 7.45pm, Wednesday 5th September at 7.45pm and Thursday 6th September at 7.45pm