While the film is poignant, the original story hits you in the gut. What has haunted Grandfather in the novel is even more heartbreaking. It would have been worth the effort to put this more complex version on film.
Furthermore, the film, like the novel, presents a very false picture of Ukrainians. I have been there many times and have never seen Ukrainians in public unshaven, in undershirts, surly, and slinging punches. The Ukrainians I have known are highly cultured, and while not 'friendly' in the American style, are more refined and polite. They change into good clothes even to walk two blocks to the center of town. Of course Foer's depiction is more catchy, but the impression it creates is lie. A cheap trick, artistically, as is Alex's English. Ukrainians who say they speak English do, beautifully. Alex is a gross caricature, although very cute.
Also, the novel is set in a very particular part of Western Ukraine which is lovely, and the Czech locations only vaguely resemble it. When you see the movie, you have not seen Ukraine. It is a pity he could not have shot it where it was set.
While the story is sweet in its own way, it does not come close to the power of the novel,and it broadcasts a very distorted impression of a beautiful people.
Furthermore, the film, like the novel, presents a very false picture of Ukrainians. I have been there many times and have never seen Ukrainians in public unshaven, in undershirts, surly, and slinging punches. The Ukrainians I have known are highly cultured, and while not 'friendly' in the American style, are more refined and polite. They change into good clothes even to walk two blocks to the center of town. Of course Foer's depiction is more catchy, but the impression it creates is lie. A cheap trick, artistically, as is Alex's English. Ukrainians who say they speak English do, beautifully. Alex is a gross caricature, although very cute.
Also, the novel is set in a very particular part of Western Ukraine which is lovely, and the Czech locations only vaguely resemble it. When you see the movie, you have not seen Ukraine. It is a pity he could not have shot it where it was set.
While the story is sweet in its own way, it does not come close to the power of the novel,and it broadcasts a very distorted impression of a beautiful people.