Tiszta Szivvel (Kills on Wheels)

6^th October 2016 6.30pm at BFI Southbank (NFT)
8^th October 2016 12.15pm at Hackney Picturehouse
9^th October 2016 3.15pm at Curzon Soho

Tiszta Szivvel (Kills on Wheels) is an inspiringly progressive film and a beacon of diversity in cinema. The focus on its protagonists with disabilities is not mired in plaintiveness; on the contrary, it makes for a thrillingly enjoyable drama-comedy. Attila Till’s screenwriting is an artful blend of dry wit that touches on sensitive issues with just enough gravity to give the movie depth. Nevertheless, Tiszta Szivvel is just as much a comedy as it is an action thriller.

Zoli and Barba are two friends in their early 20s who, through a series of unpredictable events, become embroiled in the Hungarian gangster underworld. Their befriending of Rupaszov leads them onto a darkly humorous and violent adventure, almost entirely unencumbered by their physical disabilities. Zoli and Barba’s life together in a care facility encourages them to begin drawing a comic, the storyline of which blends into the realities of the two young men, with fact and fiction becoming indiscernible at the denouement. A combination of hand-drawn frames and live action camerawork often shot from the point of view of somebody in a wheelchair give an textured feel to Till’s feature.

Throughout, the theme of independence is strongly emphasised whilst the myth of absolute helplessness is debunked. Despite the protagonists commenting and dwelling on their perceived misfortune, this is quickly balanced by exciting plot developments and the obvious desire and zeal the characters have for life. Till succeeds in writing and directing a film that does not pity those with disabilities nor does it make their disability the main point of the story. Indeed, the main plot and subplot is an intriguing blend of gangster and family drama. This Hungarian feature undeniably stands out as one seeking to undo what we think we know, and to give a realistic voice to a massively underrepresented group with a few laughs along the way.

Miriam Karmali

Tiszta Szivvel (Kills on Wheels) does not have a UK release date yet.

For further information about the 60^th London Film Festival visit here.

Read more reviews from the festival here.

Watch the trailer for Tiszta Szivvel (Kills on Wheels) here: