American Joshua Marston made his directorial debut with Maria Full of Grace, concerned the drug trade between South America and New York. In his second feature, Marston delves into a little understood culture in Albania that lives according to an ancient set of laws called the Kanun, from the Latin canon. Of all the laws in the Kanun, the most important is the Besa, which refers to a code of honor which determines how disagreements are resolved. In the case of The Forgiveness of Blood, a dispute over land puts the Besa in motion.

Nik (Tristan Halilaj) is a teenager with the dream of starting an Internet Café. His world is turned upside-down when his father and uncle (Refet Abazi and Luan Jaha), are accused of stabbing the victim’s relative, especially when Nik’s father goes on the lam, leaving his debt of honor unpaid. Until the death is paid—by blood or other means—Nik and his little brother Dren (Elsajed Tallalli) can’t leave their house for fear of being seen outside and by extension, showing disrespect for the victim. Their mother can still work and Rudina (Sindi Lacej), the younger sister is forced to take over their father’s bread delivery cart.

The Forgiveness of BloodMuch of The Forgiveness of Blood follows Nik and Rudina as they deal with the difficult and confusing situation they now find themselves in. They are modern teenagers with cell phones and love for computers who are forced to deal with the consequences of a centuries old law. Confined to his home and bored beyond measure, Nik becomes somewhat neurotic. Meanwhile, Rudina looks to take charge as various men attempt to sell bread to her clients; she starts trafficking in cigarettes. In the midst of all this, the rule that females are off limits when it comes to the vendetta is put to the test when she is threatened at work. The threat leads to a desire by both children to reach some sort of agreement with the other family. This is only possible if their father is killed or goes to jail.

When it comes down to it, the conflict at the center of The Forgiveness of Blood is not the warring families, but rather the generational divide. Nik and Rudina have been exposed to the technology of the Western World—they’re aware that land disputes (disputes in general, really) can often be solved by negotiation and conversation. As young people, they aren’t steeped in the ancient traditions that formed the belief systems of their parents, grandparents and beyond. For Nik, his entire life is at risk over a belief system he doesn’t hold dear. Any attempt he makes to try and rectify the feud via negotiation is dismissed by tribal elders. Rudina is a young girl forced to grow up way too early.

Marston (who co-wrote the script with Albanian-born filmmaker Andamion Murataj), provides an immersive look at Albanian culture. Marston worked as an intern for Life Magazine in Paris and ABC News during the Gulf War. Perhaps this experience gave him the ability to tell the stories of foreign cultures so well. Then again, maybe the idea of revenge in the name of wounded pride isn’t such a foreign idea at all.

Presented in the 1.85:1 aspect ratio, Criterion’s 1080p transfer is wonderful. Image quality is top-notch, with nicely rendered detail and fantastic colors. Director of photography Rob Hardy oversaw the transfer and his desolate, realistic cinematography is maintained. Skin tones appear natural throughout.

The 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio mix, presented in Albanian with optional English subtitles, creates a pleasant ambiance. Every speaker is utilized to create a very natural sounding environment. Music is used only occasionally, but effectively. Dialogue comes across clean and clear throughout.

The following special features are included:

  • Audio Commentary by Writer/Director Joshua Marston: In this thoughtful commentary, discusses Besa, a tradition he knew little about before he began doing research for the film. He also provides some interesting insight into the film’s themes.
  • Truth on the Ground (17:39, HD)  A discussion of how the film came to be, with producer Paul Mezey. Full of praise for director Joshua Marston, the piece also includes interviews with actors Tristan Halilaj, Refet Abazi and Sindi Lacej.
  • Acting Close to Home (23:29, HD) Joshua Marston sits down with Tristan Halilaj, Refet Abazi and Sindi Lacej to discuss their memories regarding auditions, improvisations and their methods for getting into character.
  • Audition Tapes (9:25, SD) Featuring Tristan Halilaj and Sindi Lacej in two improvised scenes.
  • Rehearsal Footage (10:07, SD) The cast working on a climactic scene.
  • Theatrical Trailer (2:43, HD)
  • Booklet: The 18-page booklet contains an essay of appreciation by writer Oscar Moralde, as well as photos and cast information.