SOLITAIRE Cinema From Other Countries

Francis Damberger has combined lost hopes, shattered dreams and colorful characters to create an intimate, touching dramatic comedy. The film focuses on the reunion of three childhood friends at a remote, ramshackle cafe in a small town. Burt is the meek postmaster who pines after Maggie, the embittered truck-stop cafe owner. When the obnoxious former high school football star Al makes an unscheduled appearance at the diner on Christmas Eve and the three old friends confront each other, all hell breaks loose. Flawless acting, subtle and effective direction and a bittersweet script laced with affectionate humor make Solitaire an engrossing film. -Paul McKie, Winnipeg Free Press