In general, I like to think I’m different than other film critics. I consider myself more mainstream. To be honest, I find myself with a higher anticipation of the summer and holiday blockbusters than I do the Oscar releases at year’s end.

However, I’m going to break with tradition and rave about one of those forgotten independent films. I’m going to sound like Siskel or Ebert gushing over movies like “My Dinner with Andre.” When it comes to “Land of the Blind,” I found myself stunned.

The film tells the story of a possible future where the U.K. is run by a tyrannical dictator named Maximilian (Tom Hollander). His father was elected President for life, and when he died (presumably assassinated by his own son), Maximilian rose to power. Maximilian is an oaf, enamored more with being a semi-celebrity with cinema stars than actually running a country. His gaunt First Lady (Lara Flynn Boyle) enjoys the fruits of his tyranny.

Ralph Fiennes plays Joe, a prison guard who is assigned to watch over Thorne (Donald Sutherland), a political prisoner. During his duty, Thorne works on Joe, trying to turn him to his side. Joe soon sees the world as a possible utopia and sets in motion events that help Thorn rise to his own power.

As the film started, I admit I was somewhat skeptical. It’s so easy to craft a film nowadays and make it a veiled criticism of current politics, the war in Iraq and Bush himself. I though that’s where it was going with the themes of a dumb son of a former leader, terrorists held without trial and the manipulation of the media.

It’s not just that I lean right in my political beliefs (but let’s be honest – that has something to do with it). I’m really just tired of strawmen films that simplify global politics and paint the world as the filmmakers wish it would be rather than the way it really is. This was one of my major philosophical criticisms of this year’s “V for Vendetta.”

However, instead of lashing out with kid gloves and trying to make a Dixie Chicks statement, “Land of the Blind” took things in an entirely different direction. It revealed some incredible truths in human nature. It reinforced the fact that power can corrupt, and it showed that there is a side of gray to almost everyone and everything.

To me, “Land of the Blind” is one of the most politically essential films of the year, almost as significant as Terry Gilliam’s masterpiece “Brazil.” It’s not as surreal as “Brazil,” but it has similar themes, and it approaches things in a similarly complicated light.

In general, audiences don’t like complicated messages or reality that doesn’t fit neatly into a box, which is probably why “Land of the Blind” disappeared from theaters almost as quickly as it was released. However, it is an incredibly well crafted and powerfully written film, easily one of the best of the year.

As is revealed in the special features, writer/director Robert Edwards developed the script with the help of the Nicholl Screenwriting Fellowship, which fosters new, significant writers. I applaud Edwards for not bowing to the whims of Hollywood’s politics, and I’m glad he made the film he did.

Included in the DVD is the theatrical trailer and a behind-the-scenes documentary. Sadly, there aren’t other special features as a commentary track would be most insightful. Still, “Land of the Blind” is definitely worth a look.



Specifications: Dolby Digital 5.1 Sound. Widescreen (1.77:1), enhanced for 16x9 televisions.