A request arrived to review this documentary about the current polio crisis in Pakistan. First thought: what a lousy time for Lickona to take vacation. The disease was almost under control until the Taliban voiced opposition and, in 2012, placed a ban on vaccinations, effectively turning a campaign to fend off another outbreak into an all-out Holy war. Yes, it’s depressing as hell to watch, with a front row view of a reality that’s almost as difficult to comprehend as it is to witness. Writer-director Tom Roberts and cinematographer Ali Faisal Zaidi outpace the pack by turning their backs on grainy-gray and/or sunbleached (the two shades most readily associated with this type of material). The elaborative color distribution adds much-desired layers of warmth and immediacy. One major drawback: insufficient subtitles, particularly in reference to several of the English-speaking participants. (2014) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.