The War Zone (1999)

Among the lusts that dare not speak their name, brother and sister relations are probably the most quietly whispered. And when Daddy slips in for sloppy seconds, sister’s inner screams are transformed into the soundtrack of The War Zone (1999). Marking the directorial debut of edgy English actor Tim Roth, this R rated flick is a trip through the minefield of dysfunctional family life; a battlefield where the casualties suffer in silence as lives worse than death descend into deep depression. Grim, unflinching and horrific, this critically-acclaimed pic presents a truth that is all the more unbelievable for being undeniably real. Based on Alexander Stuart’s 1989 novel of the same name, the British drama centers around conflicted characters including Mum (Tilda Swinton), Dad (Ray Winstone), Nick (Colin Farrell), Tom (Freddie Cunliffe), Carol (Aisling O’Sullivan), Lucy (Kate Ashfield), and Jessie (Lara Belmont). The latter actress gives her all for the demanding role. In addition to showing her dramatic chops, she reveals her alabaster breasts, fluffy muff and bare butt at the 39-minute mark. If that’s not generous enough, Lara continues to share her full frontal nudity 53 minutes into the movie. As a result, the serious ingénue picked up an International Confederation of Art Cinema Award at the Berlin International Film Festival and was named Most Promising Newcomer at the British Independent Film Awards. Here in the States, Ms. Belmont was given the Spirit of Independents prize at the Ft. Lauderdale International Film Festival and earned a standing ovation in Mr. Skin’s trousers.