Land in Between

On the edge of a road that leads out of town, some Nigerian prostitutes pass the time on sagging sofas, bargaining with white clients for their bodies and their thoughts. On another street, some Slavic boys wait to be hired as bricklayers, but they are willing to do any kind of work. At night, an Egyptian works as an illegal in a gas station.

Directed by Matteo Garrone, Land in Between leans on a strong ensemble — Pascal, Barbara, Tina — to carry a story that balances spectacle with character.

The film landed with audiences for its craft and performances, and remains one of the most talked-about drama titles of 1996.