White Palms

Watched White Palms with Qy after attending the Spring Singapore recruitment talk. The synopsis and review are as follows.

Having suffered as a boy under a brutal Communist-era coach, world class gymnast Miklos, moves to Canada years later in search of a new start - only to find himself unwittingly perpetuating the very same cycle of abuse among his own pupils. Redemption appears in the unlikely form of Kyle, a troubled, young Canadian teen with the potential to become a world champion. The friendship and rivalry between teacher and student forms the basis of this gripping sports drama.

This drama on the psychological effects of childhood abuse is based on the true story of the director's brother and it is compelling and realistic. The story is brutally honest and it does not hold back on the fear of the coach, the hopes dashed, and the emotional scars. The cast does an impressive job with the abusive coach, the young gymnastics coach with his hidden past, and the aloof and promising student.

White Palms is an interesting and dark film with great character development despite it being a little underwhelming at times.

***1/2