Munyurangabo

It is in every frame a beautiful and powerful film — a masterpiece.

The finished film, which was completed in about 11 days, has the tidiness and optimism of a fable. But it showcases certain hard facts of life in a war-torn country whose scars have yet to heal.

What is most impressive is the care with which Mr. Chung manages this risky undertaking. He seems to have made this film above all by listening and looking.

Chung goes to such effort to avoid melodrama — predictable, artificial or over-the-top confrontations — that Munyurangabo never alters its sedate, almost somnambular pacing.

Earnest and slow, the film takes time to reveal its intentions and the result is worthy but not engaging.