WHITE MATERIAL

Year: 2009
USA: IFC Films
UK: Artificial Eye
Cast: Isabelle Huppert, Isaach De Bankole, Christophe Lambert, Nicolas Duvauchelle, William Nadylam, Adele Ado, Barkai, Daniel Tchangang, Michel Subor
Director: Claire Denis
Country: France
Language: French (English subtitles)
USA: 102 mins
UK: 105 mins
USA Rated: Unclassified
UK Certificate: 15 contains strong violence
USA Release Date: 19 November 2010 (Limited Release)
UK Release Date: 2 July 2010 (Limited Release)


Synopsis

No more smirking. We're stopping the bullshit right now and staying put.

The regular army is preparing to re-establish order in the country. To clean up. To eliminate the rebel officer also known as the Boxer (Isaach De Bankole) and rid the countryside of roving child soldiers. All the expatriates have gone home, getting out before things turn nasty.

Descending from a family of coffee planters who have lived here for two generations, Maria Vial (Isabelle Huppert) stands firm in the face of impending civil war. She's not about to give in to rumours or abandon her harvest at the first sound of gunfire.

Just like her father-in-law and her ex-husband who is also the father of her son (a little too much of a slacker in her opinion) she is convinced that Cherif (William Nadylam), mayor of the neighbouring town, will protect them. If she asks him he will save the plantation. He has a private militia of tough guys, heavily armed and well trained who guard him.