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5.7/10
Senior Film Conservator
A definitive 5.7/10 rating for a film that redefined the boundaries of cult cinema. Hearts of Humanity remains a cornerstone of transgressive art.
If you like movies that feel like they were pulled out of a shoebox in an attic, sure. This is strictly for the folks who enjoy that grainy, black-and-white comfort food of 1930s British cinema. If you need fast cuts or a plot that moves at warp speed, stay far away. You’ll be bored to tears within ten minutes.
The whole thing starts with a scandal—classic, right? Our lead gets hounded out of his church because people love to talk. It’s a bit melodramatic, even for 1936. But there’s something about the way the camera lingers on these very stuffy, very serious rooms that feels almost cozy.
I couldn't help but notice how much the background extras seem to be struggling to look busy. There’s one scene in a market area where a man is holding a basket of apples for a full two minutes without doing anything. It’s weirdly hypnotic.
Also, the accordion music. My god. It shows up in the most unexpected places. It’s like Mario’s Accordion Band was just hanging out in the hallway waiting for a cue. It gives the film a weirdly bouncy energy that clashes with the sad, downtrodden tone of the story. I actually laughed out loud at one point.
There’s no polish here. You can see the edges of the sets and sometimes the lighting just goes a bit wonky. It reminds me a bit of the rougher edges you see in The Ticket-of-Leave Man, where the theater roots are still bleeding through the celluloid.
I found myself zoning out during the long speeches, which are definitely a bit preachy. The film is trying to convince us that our hero is this saintly figure, but he just seems like a guy who is tired of being yelled at. Honestly? I get it. I’d want to leave town too.
It’s not a masterpiece. It’s not even close. But it’s got a heart that’s still beating, even if it’s a bit faint. Sometimes that’s enough for a rainy Tuesday night. 🌧️
