The Compensation (Aswesuma)

Running time: N/A

Both disturbing and beautiful, director Bennett Rathnayake's unique morality tale from Sri Lanka combines the serenity of the films of Satyajit Ray with the tension of Deliverance. Immediately after his wife's funeral, Guneris wanders into a police station, whereupon he demands to be arrested for a murder he claims he committed over 50 years ago. His passion convinces the chief to listen to his story of the events of 1948. Guneris' son is ill with malaria. The nearest hospital is a day's journey, so Guneris takes the child to the mansion of the closest doctor. But the doctor is too busy with a female guest to be bothered with the child. The child dies on the way to the hospital. Grieving over the senseless death, Guneris discovers a large and rare gem in the ground while digging his son's grave. At first, Guneris cannot believe his good fortune. But as word spreads about the gem, Guneris finds that envy, greed, and danger accompany his "gift." Therefore, he and his wife commence their journey to the city, where they hope they will find fortune. Others, however, have something else in mind. Filmed in the rural villages and dense jungles of Sri Lanka, The Compensation is a rare and tender thinking person's thriller. Reviewed by Sandy Wolf