Burning An Illusion

This low-budget socio-drama about the plight of a young black woman, Cassie MacFarlane, in London's burgeoning Caribbean community, accurately depicts life in this subculture, done with no editorial comment or political posturing. MacFarlane and Victor Romero, as MacFarlane's boy friend who goes astray after losing his job, give stirring performances in this funny and sometimes violent film. The producers, because they didn't have enough money, used shortcuts, such as voice-overs where dialog would have been superior, but these are quibbles. The music by Seyoum Nefta is particularly good and captures the mood.